Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) in Yegof National Forest Priority Area, Northern Ethiopia: Population structure, activity budget and local community’s perception towards its conservation

Abstract

A study on the population size and structure, activity budget, and diet composition of gelada, as well as the perception of the local community towards its conservation, was conducted in the Yegof National Forest Priority Area from November 2014 to August 2015. A total count method was used at three census sites, namely: Ababula, Atarigenda, and Abager. Using the instantaneous scan sampling method, the activity budget of gelada groups was measured for four consecutive days per month for three months, considering both the dry and wet seasons. A semi-structured interview using an open and close-ended questionnaire was employed to assess the perception of the local community towards wildlife conservation and management in the Yogef National Forest Priority Area. The results revealed that, on average, about 161 geladas were recorded during the dry season while about 144 geladas were recorded during the wet season. There was no significant variation in the sex ratio between male and female, immature and adult, as well as immature and female. However, the largest one male unit was observed during the dry season. The dominant activity budget recorded for geladas was feeding (63.32%), followed by moving (14.58%), whereas the lowest recorded activity budget was resting (8.74%). Among the diet composition of geladas, grass blades had the highest contributions both during the wet season (88.30%) and the dry season (75.25%). During the wet season, the grass blades and fruits were more utilized by geladas, whereas bulbs and roots were used during the dry season. Most respondents had positive attitudes and perceptions towards the conservation of the forested area, while many of the respondents were not positive towards geladas as a result of the significant role they play in crop-raiding. This study indicates that a small gelada population size was recorded during the study period. Promoting community-based conservation and management and awareness creation through conservation education are needed for sustainable conservation and to increase the gelada population size in the YNFPA.