Large Mammal Diversity and Endemism at Geremba Mountain Fragment, Southern Ethiopia

Zerubabel Worku,Zerihun Girma

doi:10.1155/2020/3840594

Zerubabel Worku, Zerihun Girma

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3840594

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Abstract

Outside protected areas in Ethiopia, there is a lack of information concerning mammalian diversity and ecology. Consequently, the findings of the research on large mammals at Geremba Mountain constitute one of the steps towards a continuing effort to document the diversity and distribution of Ethiopian mammals. The survey was conducted to investigate the species composition, relative abundance, and population structure of large mammals at Geremba Mountain fragment from August 2017 to February 2018, covering both dry and wet seasons. Direct (sighting) and indirect (scat) survey techniques were employed using systematically established transect lines and sampling plots, respectively. Transects and plots were established across three dominant habitat types (modified dry ever green Afromontane forest, alpine bamboo forest, and Erica scrubland). A total of 10 large mammal species were recorded including two endemic mammals, namely, Chlorocebus djamdjamensis and Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki. There was a statistically significant difference in the abundance of species among habitat types at Geremba Mountain. The highest diversity index was recorded in the alpine bamboo forest habitat (D = 7.142, H′ = 2.052), and the Erica scrubland had the lowest. Papio anubis was the most abundant species while Felis serval was the least abundant species. The populations of most of the species were characterized by more adult and more female individuals. However, promising young individuals of the endemic mammals (C. djamdjamensis and T. s. meneliki) and Papio anubis were recorded. The mountain fragment is an isolated island that is totally disconnected with other fragments in the region, so attempts should be made to connect the fragment with other fragments using wildlife corridors.

Highlights

IntroductionMammals regulate vegetation dynamics, are involved in a seed dispersal and pollination, regulate prey populations, and are important in nutrient cycling [1]
Mammals render ecosystem services, economic, cultural, educational, and scientific values
Large mammals hold a central role in wildlife based tourism that generates billions of dollars and significantly contributes to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many African countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya [2]

Summary

Introduction

Mammals regulate vegetation dynamics, are involved in a seed dispersal and pollination, regulate prey populations, and are important in nutrient cycling [1]. Large mammals hold a central role in wildlife based tourism that generates billions of dollars and significantly contributes to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many African countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya [2]. Large mammals are important in many cultures and beliefs. Monkeys are considered holy in Hindu religion [3]. Mammals provide educational and scientific values for teaching students about mammals life history, ecology, and conservation, in addition to serving as experimental animals in testing newly discovered drugs [4]

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