TITLE:
A Preliminary Survey on Diversity and Conservation Status of Medium and Large‐Sized Mammals in Weyngus Forest, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
AUTHORS:
Belayneh Ayechew Gelanew, Abraham Tolcha Tolla
KEYWORDS:
Anthropogenic Activity, Mammals’ Survey, Relative Abundance, Threats of Mammals
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.12 No.2,
February
21,
2022
ABSTRACT: Mammalian surveys are vital tools for effective managements and conservation strategies. A survey was conducted to investigate the species composition, relative abundance and to determine their major threats in Weyngus Forest, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The data were collected from April 2020 to June 2020. Transect method and subjective interviews were used to collect data for the study. A total of 11 species of medium and large sized mammals belonging to six orders and eight families were recorded by direct and indirect evidences. Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), and Coloubus monkey (Colobus guereza) were among the medium-sized mammals while, Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) were among the large-sized mammals recorded in the study area. Vervet monkey has been the most frequently observed species, whereas spotted hyena was observed less often. Simpson’s Similarity Index (SI) showed a significant overlap of mammalian species composition between scrubland and natural forest (SI = 0.62). Illegal logging of trees for fuel wood, agricultural land expansion, illegal hunting and land degradation were the main threats of mammals in the study area. Community participation and awareness creation are highly recommended to limit the impact of anthropogenic activities threatening wildlife.