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.
Highlights
Mammals are among the most widely distributed organisms in the world and occur from the Antarctic to desert ecosystems [1]
Seven (63.6%) species were identified by direct sightings; two (18.2%) species were recorded through indications of body parts and vocalization whereas, two (18.2%) species were recorded by evidences obtained from interviewing of local peoples
Bovidae, Cercopithecidae, and Canidae had contained two species each; while all the remaining families were represented by a single species each in the study area (Table 1)
Summary
Mammals are among the most widely distributed organisms in the world and occur from the Antarctic to desert ecosystems [1] They are the most successful groups of animals next to the arthropods in the globe. Ethiopia is a home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna due to its’ suitable ecological, edaphic and climatic conditions [5] [6]. It has 311 species of mammal fauna, fitting to 144 genera. They have a great role in ecosystem services like in seed dispersal, regulate prey populations, and in nutrient cycling [3]
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