Abstract
In Ethiopian highlands, area enclosures have been established on degraded areas for ecological rehabilitation. However, information on the importance of area enclosures in improving wild fauna richness is lacking. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the impact of enclosures on density and diversity of large wild mammals. Direct observations along fixed width transects with three timings, total counting with two timings, and pellet drop counts were used to determine population of large wild mammals. Regression analysis and ANOVA were used to test the significance of the relationships among age of enclosures, canopy cover, density and diversity of large wild mammals. The enclosures have higher density and diversity of large wild mammals than adjacent unprotected areas. The density and diversity of large wild mammals was higher for the older enclosures with few exceptions. Diversity of woody species also showed strong relationship (r2 = 0.77 and 0.92) with diversity of diurnal and nocturnal wild mammals. Significant relationship (at p
Highlights
Ethiopia is renowned for its richness in biodiversity
Density and Diversity of Large Diurnal Wild Mammals The density of large wild mammals varied from species to species among the enclosures
The density and diversity of large wild mammals varied among land uses
Summary
Ethiopia is renowned for its richness in biodiversity. The biological diversity is made up of an estimated total of 6500–7000 plant species of which 12 are endemic. There are 255 identified mammals, 861 birds, 201 reptiles, 63 amphibians, 150 fish and 324 butterfly species of which 31 mammals and 16 birds are endemic (Groombridge and Jenkins, 1994; EWNHS, 1996; FDRE, 2001). The degradation of these resources is widespread and severe. The major causes include land clearing for agriculture and lack of recognition of the roles and rights of local communities in the conservation and use of biological resources (FDRE, 2001). Crop production and animal husbandry potential of the region has declined severely mainly due to the degradation of natural resources (Tassew 1995; Wolde , 2004)
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