Population status of the Critically Endangered African White-Backed Vultures (Gyps africanus) in and around Wolkite town, Southwestern Ethiopia

African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) are critically endangered bird species which are commonly found in areas where rubbish food sources and roosting and/or nesting sites are available. This study assessed the population size and threats of the African white-backed vultures in Wolkite town abattoir and the surrounding dumping site from April 2019 to March 2021. A total count method was employed to assess the population size of the species and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A questionnaire consisting semi-structured open-ended questions was used to study the attitude and perception of the local community. During the study period, 192 field visits were conducted to count the population size of African white-backed vultures. Individual African white-backed vultures were counted in the abattoir and dumping sites. About 472 individuals (36%) were counted in the dumping site (Mean ± SD: 20±7.4; Range: 8-29) and 839 individuals (64%) were counted in the abattoir (Mean ± SD: 34±8; Range: 22-47). The age category in the dumping site constituted 269 adults and 203 sub-adults with a statistically significant difference (x2= 8.14, df =1, p< 0.05) between adults and sub-adult age groups. In the abattoir, 319 of the population were adults and 520 were sub-adults, a significant difference (x2= 48.2, df =1, p< 0.05) in the age groups in the area. Threats such as human disturbance and competition for food and roosting with domestic and wild animals were observed during the study period.&nbsp

Species composition, relative abundance and habitat association of the bird fauna of the montane forest of Zegie Peninsula and nearby islands, Lake Tana, Ethiopia

The present study was carried out in Zegie Peninsula and Kibran Gebriel and Entos Iyesus Islands of Lake Tana from August 2006 to March 2007. Sampling sites were stratified based on the vegetation type and area cover. Point count technique and chi-square test were employed to see the association of birds with the different vegetation strata. A total of 101 bird species were recorded, out of which 91 were residents (three endemics) and 10 were Palaearctic migrants. The Zegie Peninsula had high species diversity and evenness (0.96 and 0.86, respectively). The relative abundance of birds during the wet and dry seasons was variable. A total of 54 and 68 species were recorded during the wet and dry seasons in the Zegie Peninsula, respectively. The islands possessed 24 species each season. Habitat association of birds within the vegetation strata of Zegie Peninsula during the wet season was: highest at the shore (4.50), followed by gardens (4.00), bushes and shrubs (3.33) and trees (2.17). During the dry season, the highest mean number of birds occurred in the garden vegetation (4.86), followed by trees (3.23), fringe type of vegetation (3.22), and bush and shrub vegetation (2.60). During the wet season, the association of birds with the vegetation stratum was not statistically significant (p > 0.05, chi-square =13, df =7, n = 32). However, this was significant during the dry season (p < 0.05, chi-square = 66.238, df =9, n = 84). Conservation action to minimize the anthropogenic effect at Zegie should be the order of the day

Species Composition, Relative Abundance and Distribution of the Avian Fauna of Entoto Natural Park and Escarpment, Addis Ababa

A study on avian species composition, relative abundance, diversity and distribution at Entoto Natural Park and escarpment was carried out during July 2009 - March 2010. The study area was stratified based on vegetation composition. Four habitat types: forest (rehabilitation and nursery areas), farmland, church compound (St. Mary’s and St. Raguel Churches) and eucalyptus plantation were considered. Point count method was employed for forest habitat and eucalyptus plantation, line-transect method for farmland and total count method was used for the church compound. T-test and ANOVA were applied for analysis of the effect of season and habitats on abundance of species. As a result, 124 avian species belonging to 14 orders and 44 families were identified in the study area during the wet (July, 2009 to October, 2009) and dry season (December, 2009 to March, 2010) surveys. The average temperature and rainfall for wet and dry seasons were 7.5°C and 315 mm and 20.5°C and 9 mm, respectively. During the dry season, highest avian diversity was observed in the farmland habitat (H’=3.73), followed by the forest (H’=2.92), whereas during the wet season, highest avian diversity was observed in the forest habitat (H’=3.98), followed by church compound (H’=3.25). Highest number of species was recorded on farmland and forest habitats during the dry and wet seasons. Simpson’s Similarity Index showed the highest species similarity between forest and farmland during both wet and dry seasons. There was no significant difference between seasons and habitats in the abundance of birds in these habitats. However, wet season had an effect on the avian abundance in eucalyptus plantation (t=2.952, P &lt;0.05). Eucalyptus plantation, soil erosion, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, settlement and land degradation were the main threats for the distribution of birds in the present study area

Seasonal variation of non-volant small mammals in Gibe Sheleko national park, Southwestern Ethiopia

The species composition and abundance of small mammals can vary within space and time. The main objective of this study was to assess seasonal variation of non-volant small mammals from randomly selected Acacia woodland, bushland, farmland, grassland, riverine forest and wooded grassland habitats in Gibe Sheleko National Park, southwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected using 49 Sharman live traps in 70 x 70 m sized square girds from December, 2018 to August, 2020. Capture mark recapture technique was applied to estimate population size of the existing small mammals and the data were analyzed using a chi-square test. A total of 1160 individual small mammals belonging to 10 species and 2 families were recorded. Three non-captured species: Hystrix cristata, Xerus rutilus and Tachyoryctes splendens were also identified. There was a significant (χ2= 31.12, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) difference in the total abundance of small mammals between seasons. Of the total individuals captured, 675(58.19%) were trapped during the wet season while 485(41.81%) individuals were during the dry season. Significant seasonal variation was also observed in the total abundance of both sexes, i e. males (χ2= 11.99, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) and females (χ2= 20.24, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05). Among age groups, significant statistical seasonal variation was shown in adults (χ2=15.14, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) and young (χ2=44.61, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) but not significant in sub-adults (χ2=0.75, df = 1, P &gt;0.05). The identified small mammals exhibited seasonal changes in their abundance associated with changes in climatic and environmental conditions. However, a long-term and annual based study is required to see the overall dynamics of existing small mammals.&nbsp

Seasonal Population Dynamics of Rodents of Mount Chilalo, Arsi, Ethiopia

A study on seasonal population dynamics of rodents was carried out on Mount Chilalo from August, 2007 to April, 2008. Six habitats, namely grassland, bush land, montane forest, Erica forest, Afroalpine forest and moor land were identified to carry out live and snap trapping during wet and dry seasons in randomly selected grids. Seasonal species distribution, relative abundance and habitat association, weight, sex, age and reproductive status of rodents were studied. From 1,756 individuals captured, 985 (56.1%) and 771 (43.9%) were live trapped during wet and dry seasons, respectively. Species composition for live trapped individuals during wet and dry seasons was 9 and 10, respectively. These are: Arvicanthis abyssinicus, A. blicki, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, L. melanonyx, Mastomys natalensis, Mus mahomet, Otomys typus, Stenocephalemys albipes, S. albocaudata and S. griseicauda.  Mus mahomet was trapped only during the dry season. There was no significant seasonal variation in the capture of young and sub-adult, while it is significant among adults with highest during wet season. Although more males than females were trapped during wet season, the sex ratio was not significantly different. The number of reproductively active males and females were higher during the wet than the dry season. The highest trap success (47.1%) was recorded during wet season. Biomass ranged from 9,231 g/ha (moor land habitat) to 55,507 g/ha (grassland habitat). From snap trapped rodents, pregnant females of A. dembeensis, R. rattus and M. mahomet were not obtained. Maximum number of embryo counted was 15 for M. natalensis and the least (2) was for O. typus

Human-wildlife conflict in Zegie Peninsula (Ethiopia) with emphasis on grivet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops aethiops)

Data on conflict between human and wildlife in Zegie Peninsula were collected during July, 2008-April, 2009. Face-to-face questionnaire, census of wild animals, direct estimation of crop damage by wild animals and faecal analysis of grivet monkeys were the components of the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. Crop loss in 2007/2008 harvest year was 26.78%. Damage estimation of ripened crops in the field by wild animals was equivalent to about 13,000 Ethiopian Birr per day in the study area (1150 ha). There was no significant difference in damage among crops (F = 0.147, df = 3, 16, P > 0.05) and damage in different habitats (F =1.41, df = 4, 15, P > 0.05). Among the faecal samples of grivet monkeys, 34.28% had the seeds of citrus fruits. Wild animals were killed in response to the damage they cause to crops or for consumption. Trees were cut down and sold to support livelihood. The estimated population of grivets in the study area was 1157, which is about one grivet monkey/ha. Grivet population was not significantly different between the wet and dry seasons (x2= 0.44, df =1, P > 0.05). But there was a significant difference in the population of grivets among habitats (F = 5.36, df = 4, 15, P < 0.05). The estimated population of squirrels, duikers and hares in the study area was 428, 37 and 30, respectively. Squirrel population varied significantly between wet and dry seasons (x2 = 5.6, df =1, P < 0.05).  Grivet monkey, squirrel, porcupine and bushpig were the four major pest mammals in the area. Leopard, duiker and hares were minor pests

Seasonal variation of non-volant small mammals in Gibe Sheleko national park, Southwestern Ethiopia

The species composition and abundance of small mammals can vary within space and time. The main objective of this study was to assess seasonal variation of non-volant small mammals from randomly selected Acacia woodland, bushland, farmland, grassland, riverine forest and wooded grassland habitats in Gibe Sheleko National Park, southwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected using 49 Sharman live traps in 70 x 70 m sized square girds from December, 2018 to August, 2020. Capture mark recapture technique was applied to estimate population size of the existing small mammals and the data were analyzed using a chi-square test. A total of 1160 individual small mammals belonging to 10 species and 2 families were recorded. Three non-captured species: Hystrix cristata, Xerus rutilus and Tachyoryctes splendens were also identified. There was a significant (χ2= 31.12, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) difference in the total abundance of small mammals between seasons. Of the total individuals captured, 675(58.19%) were trapped during the wet season while 485(41.81%) individuals were during the dry season. Significant seasonal variation was also observed in the total abundance of both sexes, i e. males (χ2= 11.99, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) and females (χ2= 20.24, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05). Among age groups, significant statistical seasonal variation was shown in adults (χ2=15.14, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) and young (χ2=44.61, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) but not significant in sub-adults (χ2=0.75, df = 1, P &gt;0.05). The identified small mammals exhibited seasonal changes in their abundance associated with changes in climatic and environmental conditions. However, a long-term and annual based study is required to see the overall dynamics of existing small mammals.&nbsp

Forest blocks and altitude as indicators of Myomys albipes (Rüppell 1842) (Mammalia Rodentia) distribution in Ethiopia

Myomys albipes (Ruppel 1842) is an endemie rodent of the Ethiopian plateau. It occurs most commonly at altitudes between 1500 and 3300 m a.s.l. Its habitat varies from forest to scrub and the high altitude heathland. Information on altitude, vegetation, trap nights, trapping success and proportion of M. albipes in the catch were available for 26 localities throughout its distribution area. These were used to estimate the chances of finding the species at a given site. The species prefers the dense forests that are progressively shrinking, so perhaps it can be used as a reliable indicator of forest block reduction on an historical basis

SPECIES COMPOSITION, HABITAT ASSOCIATION AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF SMALL MAMMALS IN BORENA SAYINT NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH WOLLO, ETHIOPIA

Small mammals are ecological regulators in natural habitats. During the present investigation, species composition, distribution and relative abundance of small mammals were studied in Denkoro Forest, South Wollo, and Ethiopia from 2011 to 2012. In this investigation, Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) method was used. Data were collected during the wet and dry seasons by using Sherman live-traps (7.6× 8.9 × 22.9 cm. size) and snap-traps, and the traps were randomly laid at different trap sites of the habitats. The area of each live-trap grid was 70 ×70 m. Each of the grids consisted of seven lines, 10 m apart, with a trap station at every 10 m. A total of 49 Sherman traps was set in each grid, for 3 consecutive days. Ten species of small mammals belonging to rodents and insectivores were recorded from the study area. Additional two rodent species (Hystrix cristata and Trachyoryctes splendens)were sighted, but not captured. The small mammals trapped were Lophuromys flavopunctatus (35.7%), Otomys typus (28.5%), Stenocephalemys griseicauda (14.6%), Arvicanthis dembeensis (9.1%), Crocidura flavescens (5.9%), Stenocephalemys albipes (1.9%), Crocidura fumosa (1.4%), Desmomys harringtoni (0.8%), Mus Mahomet (0.6%) and Dendromus lovati (0.3%). Population abundance and species composition of small mammals varied from habitat to habitat and from season to season.  Lophuromys flavopunctatus and O. typus were the most widely distributed and abundant species, whereas S. albipes, C. fumosa (in the forest), D. harringtoni, D. lovati and M. mahomet (in the farmland) were restricted species. Seasonal variation and availability of food resulted in variation in abundance and distribution of small mammals from habitat to habitat. Disturbance of small mammals by plant trampling and cutting should be stopped since small mammals are a source of diet to the endemic Ethiopia wolf and other carnivores

Population density, feeding and, reproductive ecology of rodents from Alemsaga Priority State Forest and adjacent farmlands

A study on population density, feeding, and reproductive ecology of rodents from Alemsaga Priority State Forest and the adjacent farmlands was conducted from July 2018-September 2020. Live and snap traps were used for capturing rodents from the study area. The Capture-Mark-Release method was employed to estimate the population size and respective density of rodents. Snap traps were used to capture rodents for body measurement and stomach content analysis. Embryo count was carried out from 64 pregnant females. Data were computed using descriptive statistics and compared with chi-square. Lophuromys simensis, Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Desmomys harringtoni, Mastomys natalensis, Stenocephalemys albipes, Rattus rattus, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Mus musculus, and Acomys cahrinus were recorded from the six habitats. The result indicated that a total of 1140 and 171 individuals were trapped in the study area with live and snap traps, respectively. The average population density of rodents was 47.4 h-1. The highest density was recorded in bushland habitat (75.1 h-l) while the least was in Carissa land (32.2h-l). In terms of species, L. simensis showed the highest density (111.65 h-l) whereas A. cahrinus was the lowest (1.7 ha-1). The overall densities of rodents were 224.82 ha-1 and 162.93 ha-1 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The total rodent biomass in the study area was 160,495 g. The number of embryos counted ranged from 4-12 and 2-8 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. However, there was no statistical significance between the two seasons (χ2 = 0.74, df=1, p&gt; 0.05). Plant matters constituted a higher proportion of stomach contents (64.4%) compared to animal matters (13.2%). Generally, Alemsaga State Forest harbors rodent species with high density and biomass. Proper conservation of the area will contribute to the betterment of species density and biomass