Abstract
The study on population size and distribution was carried out in community forest in the Gasera district of Bale zone south east of Ethiopia from February 2017 to January 2018. Hamadryas baboon population size and distribution has never been studied and determined by Gasera district. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess Hmadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) Population Size and their Distribution in Community forest in Gasera District of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Materials used for this study were GPS to plot study area, camera for scan sampling, Binocular to see a Hamadryas baboon from the distance, note pad, pen, pencil and was used to record data and video cameras was to insure hamadryas baboon counting. Assessing Population size and distribution of hamadryas baboon was estimated using the total count method at three counting sites by line transect. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test to compare sex and age structure of hamadryas baboon and T-test was used to compare wet and dry season population size of hamadryas baboon in each study site. The total number of individuals during wet season was 1199 and 1146 during the dry season. The average number of hamadryas baboon observed in the entire study area during both season was 1173. There was no significant difference between wet and dry season (x2=1.1978, df=1, p>0.05). During the wet season, the individual count from the study area was 16% adult male, 27% adult female, 12% sub adult male, 18% sub adult female, 10% juvenile male, 14% juvenile female, 3% infants. During the dry season, the individual count was 15.8% adult male, 28% adult female, 11.5% sub adult male, 18.5% sub adult female, 9% juvenile male, 14% juvenile female, 2.5% infants. The proportion of female hamdryas baboon was high in all age groups except infant in which identification of sex is difficult.
Highlights
The current study showed that hamadryas baboons were distributed largely in Walda jebesa situated at the eastern tip, and Wote chimo, which was situated at western tip of the community forest
This study revealed that the population size of hamadryas baboon is almost the same during dry and wet season
Hamadryas baboon found in the study area were threatened due to human caused problems as forest clearance for fire fuels, fencing, building houses, and plowing near and in the forest as well
Summary
The study about wild animal population size, distribution, is important for their conservation and ensures their viability in their natural habitat. An understanding of the basic quantitative natural history of primate species is vital to their conservation [1]. Ethiopia possesses a diverse mammalian fauna of 320 species of 52 families [2], of which, 31 species are endemic [3]. The high level of endemism in the fauna of Ethiopia is related to the large extent of the highlands, variations in temperature and rainfall in different habitats have led to the diversity of species [4]. Africa has the largest primate fauna and there are 175 species and sub-species of primates listed in Africa [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
