Arsi Mountains Research Articles

New faunistic and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Ethiopia: results of the joint Russian-Ethiopian biological expedition in Arsi Mountains National Park

ABSTRACT The present study is based on oribatid mite materials collected from Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, in 2021. A list of 43 species, belonging to 29 genera and 22 families, is presented; of these, three species (Scutovertex evansi, Scheloribates rugiceps and Pilogalumna arabica) are reported for the first time in the Ethiopian fauna. One new species—Antarctozetes behanpelletierae Ermilov sp. nov. (Punctoribatidae) – is described. An identification key to the known species of Antarctozetes from the Afrotropical region is provided. http://www.zoobank.org/rurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A480AE7B-B8BD-441B-A39A-4DBD21C3ED66

On the chigger mite (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) fauna of Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The chigger mites of Ethiopia were investigated based on materials collected in the field and museum depositories of alcohol-fixed mammals. Previously, only two chigger species were known from the country. In total, we collected 21 chigger species, mainly from rodents, occasionally insectivores, and one bat, from nine localities, and raised the number of trombiculids known from Ethiopia to 22. Three new species were described: Gahrliepia bochkovi sp. n. from a high-mountain locality of the Arsi Mountains National Park, Schoutedenichia borenensis sp. n. from Borena National Park, and Microtrombicula abaturovi sp. n. from Lake Koka located in the Great Rift Valley. Seventeen species were recorded in Ethiopia for the first time; four of them were for the first time recorded on the African continent – Leptotrombidium paradux Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976, Schoutedenichia asirensis Stekolnikov, Al-Ghamdi, Alagaili and Makepeace, 2019, S. originalis Kudryashova, 1976, and Microtrombicula saperoi (Radford, 1954). http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D79DC5A0-8340-4CC2-B9FD-F16A7CC38FE2

Ontogenetic instars of the oribatid mite Tyrphonothrus digeluensis sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Malaconothridae) from Ethiopia.

A new species of the genus Tyrphonothrus (Oribatida, Malaconothridae) is described from Ethiopia, based on adult and juvenile instars; it is collected from mosses on the swamp at the top of the mountain in Arsi Mountains National Park. Tyrphonothrus digeluensis sp. nov. differs from the related species Tyrphonothrus obesus (Yamamoto & Coetzee, 2004) and T. rectus (Yamamoto & Coetzee, 2004) by the pubescence of exobothridial, epimeral, anoadanal, and some notogastral setae. Comparison between juvenile instars of the new species and the known juveniles of Malaconothridae is presented.

First data on ontogeny of the oribatid mite family Caloppiidae (Acari, Oribatida), with description of juvenile instars of the representative of the genus Zetorchella.

Juvenile instars of Zetorchella arsiensis (Oribatida, Caloppiidae) are described, based on specimens collected from mosses on the swamp at the top of the mountain in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. It is the first data on ontogeny for the family Caloppiidae. Main morphological differences between juveniles of Caloppiidae with other families in Oripodoidea are presented.

Parallel Evolution of Skull Form in Three Rodent Genera Inhabiting Steep Elevational Gradients of Ethiopian Highlands

Several rodent genera radiated in Ethiopian highlands during Pleistocene, giving rise to species specialized to different elevation zones. The zonation is accompanied by vegetation change from savannahs or forests in lower elevations, through the mid-elevation belt of ericaceous shrublands to Afroalpine moorlands on the mountain tops. Such evolution on elevation gradient is expected to promote phenotypic adaptations and several genera are known to include highly distinctive high-elevation specialists. In this study, we systematically examined shape and size differentiation of skull and mandible in three genera, Lophuromys, Arvicanthis and Stenocephalemys, each including from six to eight species inhabiting different elevation zones on both sides of the Great Rift Valley. Employing computed tomography, three-dimensional virtual models, landmark-based geometric morphometrics and a powerful toolkit of partial least squares analysis, we demonstrated the elevation-related differentiation is a prominent feature of skull and mandible shape variation in all three genera. We identified the parts of skull and mandible which change most between the successive zones. These include, notably, orbits and insertion areas of masticatory muscles, which suggests adaptive shifts in visual perception and diet. We also showed that while the same parts are modified in all three genera, they are modified in different ways and to a different degree. The evidence for size differentiation was mixed despite the universal trend of larger size in higher elevations. Our study confirms the high-elevation specialists represent the most distinctive forms, which is especially true for the species from Bale and Arsi Mountains, East of the Great Rift Valley.

Taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite subgenus Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae)

A new species of Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) – S. (P.) oromiaensis sp. n. – is described from mosses on the swamp at the top of the mountain in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia; the new species differs from the related species S. (P.) ethiopicus by the larger body size, rounded rostrum and pedotectum II, the absence of prolamella, and the presence of aggenital seta. The taxonomic status of Perscheloribates is discussed, resulting in the supporting of it on the subgeneric level within Scheloribates. An identification key to known species of Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) from the Afrotropical region is provided.

Ontogenetic instars of the oribatid mite Scheloribates arsizonensis n. sp. (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) from Ethiopia

A new species of the genus Scheloribates (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) — S. (Scheloribates) arsizonensis n. sp. — is described from Ethiopia, based on adult and juvenile instars, collected from litter and green moss in Arsi Mountains National Park. Adults of the new species differ from S. praestantissimus praestantissimus (Berlese, 1916) in having fusiform, distally pointed bothridial seta, the absence of prolamella, and the presence of well-developed notogastral setae p<sub>1</sub>. The comparison of juveniles of the new species with juveniles of other Scheloribates species is presented. Juveniles of the new species can be distinguished from the other known juveniles of S. (Scheloribates) by the presence of two strong, long, longitudinal, dorsolateral folds on the gastronotum in all instars, long gastronotic seta c<sub>3</sub>, which is distinctly longer than other gastronotic setae in nymphal instars, the presence of vestigial gastronotic seta h<sub>3</sub> in larva, and in the absence of aggenital setae in deutonymph.

Taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Muliercula (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae)

A new species of the genus Muliercula (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae)—M. altimontana sp. nov.—is described, based on materials collected from litter in Arsi Mountains National Park, Central Ethiopia. Generic diagnosis, identification key, data on distribution and habitats of the known species of Muliercula are presented.

Taxonomic contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Arcoppia (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae)

ABSTRACT A new species of the genus Arcoppia (Oribatida, Oppiidae) – A. gezahegni n. sp. – is described, based on materials collected from mosses on the mountain swamp in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Generic diagnosis and an identification key to known species of Arcoppia from the Afrotropical region are presented. The initial placement of Arcoppia tuberosa in Arcoppia is supported; Wallworkoppia vibrissa is transferred to Arcoppia. http://LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2283A884-52CC-4C92-B64A-638F9CB63EE6

Human activities increase vigilance, movement and home range size of the endangered mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) at the cost of foraging and resting

Behavioral responses in wildlife due to human activities may often go unnoticed but have significant effects on population viability. This is a particular concern with endangered species characterized by small population sizes. From June 2016 to May 2017, we measured the effects of human activities on daily the activity budget and home range size of mountain nyala ( Tragelaphus buxtoni ), an endemic antelope of the Ethiopian highlands. We tracked two groups of mountain nyala from two study sites that differ in the level of human activities; Adaba-Dodola Community Conservation Area (Adaba-Dodola CCA) and Arsi Mountains National Park (Arsi Mountains NP). Our results showed that the time spent on vigilance and movement was dramatically higher in Adaba-Dodola Community CCA, where human presence is significant, than in Arsi Mountains NP, whereas the opposite was true for time spent foraging and resting. In addition, mean home range size (95% KDE) was significantly larger for the Adaba-Dodola CCA group (13 ± 7.4 km 2 ) than for the Arsi Mountains NP group (6.3 ± 2.7 km 2 ) covering larger areas during the dry season (18.7 ± 6.9 km 2 ) than the wet season (4.9 ± 1.0 km 2 ). The finding that increased investment in vigilance and movement trade-off against the restorative behaviors of foraging and resting in human-disturbed areas have implications for conservation managements; specifically, it underscores the need to (i) establish the fitness consequences of behavioral changes, and (ii) monitoring behavioral change in the disturbed population with the aim of bringing it closer to the undisturbed baseline. The study highlights the importance of protected areas, limiting human activities and monitoring the behavioral change of endangered species in human-disturbed areas. • Mountain nyala spent more time on vigilance and movement at the cost of restorative behaviors in high human impact areas. • High human activities lead to significantly larger home range size of mountain nyala. • The study highlights the importance of limiting human activities and monitoring behavioral changes in endangered species.

A new species of Leptopelis (Anura, Arthroleptidae) from the south-eastern slope of the Ethiopian Highlands, with notes on the Leptopelis gramineus species complex and the revalidation of a previously synonymised species.

A new ground-dwelling species of treefrog in the genus Leptopelis is described from the Harenna Forest in south-eastern Ethiopia. The description is based on morphology and acoustics and is supported by molecular data. The new species has a small body size, and the digital discs on fingers and toes are significantly more conspicuous than in other semi-fossorial members of the L. gramineus complex. It occupies forest habitats at lower altitudes and is separated ecologically and geographically from high-altitude species of the complex. One of them, a parapatric cryptic species from Bale and Arsi Mountains, is resurrected from synonymy of L. gramineus and given a new name, L. montanus. Genetic barcoding of specimens from both populations showed that they belong to two distinct lineages that had been revealed by recent phylogenetic research. To confirm the geographic separation of the studied populations, the collection area of L. gramineus types was verified through analysis of the diary and the final report of the 2nd expedition of V. Bottego, and through matching of the route described in it with modern maps. The type locality of L. gramineus sensu stricto is restricted to Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia. Following the results of recent phylogenetic studies, the range of L. gramineus is limited to west of the Great Rift Valley. An identification key to the named Ethiopian species of the genus is provided.

Ecotourism Potential Assessment of Dhera Dilfekar Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Eastern Central Rift valley of Ethiopia

Ethiopia holds substantial ecotourism potentials that have to be promoted for economic development. This study was done with the objective of assessing ecotourism potentials of Dhera dilfekar block for ecotourism development. Dhera dilfekar block is one of the four blocks of Arsi Mountains National Park. Seven (7) major tourist attraction sites were identified namely; Dire kiltu hyena valley, Dire kiltu lesser kudu site, Dire kiltu greater kudu site , Fachiso greater kudu site , Gara dima hyena valley(1), Awash bishola dhagaa taa’aa valley and Gara dima hyena valley(2) .Additionally, the park can offer the visitor an opportunity to see lowland game species, a variety of bird species, Acacia dominated plant species with spectacular landscape, historical and Cultural sites which make the parks unique features to attract eco tourists. The block is the nearest to Addis Ababa (Finfinne) from any other Parks of our country and is found on the main asphalt road which goes to Bale Zone via Adama-Asella. Dhera dilfekar block is found in the lowland that situated in altitudinal elevation ranges from 1300 masl to 1835 masl. This makes the block to be visited all over the year for both domestic and international tourists since there is no mud to travel by vehicle and on foot. The proximity to Sodere resort hotel also brings additional opportunity to be visited by both domestic and foreign tourists. It can be concluded that the area is endowed with high Ecotourism potentials. It can also be good potential for bird watching tourism that can integrate economic gain with biodiversity conservation. Hence, urgent conservation measures and further detail research is recommended to promote this Ecotourism potentials. Key words :Ecotourism, Arsi Mountains, Potential, Dhera dilfekar, Attraction DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/55-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Systematic position of Omostropus rotundatus and notes on some other species of Harpalina (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Ethiopia

Omostropus rotundatus Clarke, 1973 from the Bale Mountains (Ethiopia) is transferred to the genus Harpalus Latreille, 1802. Since the name rotundatus was already used in the latter genus, the substitute name Harpalus clarkei Kataev et Schmidt, nom. nov. is proposed for Harpalus rotundatus (Clarke, 1973), comb. nov. (non Dejean, 1829; non Chaudoir, 1844). The diagnostic characters of Harpalus and Omostropus are discussed. Data on distribution and hind wing development of some additional Ethiopian species of Harpalina mostly from the Bale and Arsi Mountains are presented.

Avian Diversity in Dilifekar Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

This research was conducted at Dilfekar Block, Arsi Mountains National Park from August 2014-May 2015 during both wet and dry seasons with the aim to study diversity and taxonomy of bird species found in the block. Seven Transect lines of all with length 100m and width 15m were positioned in different representative microhabitat sites of the block. Data collection was carried out from the early morning to late morning and afternoon to late afternoon throughout the study periods. In this study, a total of 99 avian species under 36 families were identified from the Block. The largest and the least number of species of birds were recorded in transect 2 (42.9%) and transect 3 (7.2%) respectively. The variation in species abundance of the transects was statistically significant (χ²= 80.44, df=6, p<0.05). The Shannon diversity index (H’) ranges from 1.9-3.6 of seven transects considered in the study area. Accordingly, the minimum index value was from transect 1 (1.9) and the maximum was from transect 2 (3.6). However, based on the Shannon diversity index value, the species of avian diversity among the transects was not statistically significant (χ²= 0.98, df=6, p>0.05). Evenness index (E) for species of birds among transects ranged from 0.9-1.

Taxonomic and genetic diversity of rodents from the Arsi Mountains (Ethiopia)

Abstract The Arsi Mountains (Southeastern Ethiopian mountain block) are a unique region comprising a range of habitats, including natural montane forest, extensive ericaceous scrub and small, restricted patches of Afroalpine ecosystem. During 3 years of sampling small mammals, 13 rodent species were recorded, including the extremely rare Mus imberbis and Dendromus nikolausi. Genetic analysis was used to shed light on the taxonomic diversity of rodents in the Arsi Mountains and their evolutionary associations with populations from other Ethiopian montane massifs (including the neighbouring Bale Mountains). All species recorded are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. The results of this study provide the first genetically confirmed data on the occurrence of such endemic species as Lophuromys melanonyx, L. chrysopus and a yet undescribed Dendromus species in the Arsi Mountains. The genetic affinities of some Arsi rodents with their conspecifics in the neighbouring Bale Mountains were also explored. The results suggest the Arsi Mountains as one of the most important hotspots of unique Ethiopian mammal diversity.

Vascular Plant Species Composition, Relative Abundance, Distribution, and Threats in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

A study of vascular plant species composition, relative abundance, distribution, and anthropogenic threats to these species' survival was carried out in the Galama Mountains in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. An Intensive Modified Whitaker nested plot design was used to sample vegetation in disturbed and undisturbed habitats across the landscape. A total of 191 plant species (including 5 identified only to the genus level) in 56 families were recorded. The dominant family was Asteraceae, followed by Poaceae. Twenty species (about one-tenth of all species recorded) are endemic to Ethiopia. The highest overall species richness was recorded in the dry evergreen Afromontane vegetation in the undisturbed plots and in the Erica (heath) habitat in the disturbed plots. Rare plant species were less frequent in the disturbed plots than in the undisturbed ones. Regression analysis indicated a significant decrease in total species richness with increase in elevation. It also indicated a significant decrease in species richness and average plant species ground cover with increasing amounts of fresh livestock dung. The rate of tree removal exceeds the rate of regeneration in the dry evergreen Afromontane vegetation. Myrsine melanophloeos, Schefflera abyssinica, and Juniperus procera were the dominant tree species in the lower elevations (2843 to 3200 m above sea level) and have been found to be overharvested. Based on the current anthropogenic pressures in the study area, we expect species diversity and frequency of occurrence to diminish over time. Urgent conservation measures including control of tree harvesting and livestock encroachment should be prioritized in Arsi Mountains National Park.

Human–large wild mammals conflict in Dhera-Dilfaqar Block of Arsi Mountains National Park, South Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACTWe identified the causes, extent, and management strategies of human–large wild mammals’ conflict in Dhera-Dilfaqar Block of Arsi Mountains National Park. We used house-to-house, focus group, and key informant interviews to collect data. The respondents perceived both crop raiding and livestock depredations as the main causes of human–large mammals conflict and reported the incidents to escalate over the last 3 years. The respondents perceived Phacochoerus africanus (common warthog) as the most notorious crop raider and reported Crocuta crocuta (spotted hyena) and Ichneumia albicauda (white-tailed mongoose) among the top livestock depredators. The local community employed guarding of crops and livestock as management strategies. The incidents have caused a considerable economic loss to the subsistence livelihood of the local community. We recommend creating a mechanism that helps to manage the conflict and benefit the farmers from the wildlife and other natural resources around.

Conservation Status of Dilifekar Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Conservation Status of Dilifekar Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Impact of Livestock Encroachments and Tree Removal on Populations of Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The study is aimed at investigating how livestock and human encroachments affect the population distribution and abundance of mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Across four dominant habitat types (Afro-alpine, Erica, natural forest, and mixed plantation forest) 5 × 20 (100 m2) plot was used to assess populations of the ungulates, wood harvesting, and livestock grazing through counting the fresh scats of both livestock and wild mammals and stumps of trees. There was significant negative correlation between the scat count of mountain nyala and livestock dung scat count during both dry (R=-0.518,p=0.031) and wet (R=-0.385,p=0.05) seasons. However, there was significant negative correlation between the scat count of Menelik’s bushbuck and livestock dung scat count only during dry season (R=-0.491,p=0.047). Season (wet versus dry) had significant effect on scat count of mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and livestock. The study has clearly indicated that livestock outcompeted the endemic ungulates. Furthermore, the result of the study has indicated that tree removal reduced the wildlife habitat quality affecting the populations of wildlife. As a result, there is an urgent need for controlling the free-roaming domestic mammals, wood collection, and other human disturbances.

Quaternary glacial and periglacial processes in the Ethiopian Highlands in relation to the current afro-alpine vegetation

Summary. The highlands of Ethiopia show a great variety in present and past climate. The environments differ in altitude, latitude and local conditions. This has an influence on vegetation and geomorphologic processes. Present knowledge of past glacial and periglacial landforms concentrates around the highest mountain ranges of Ethiopia, the Semien Mountains, the Bale Mountains and the Arsi Mountains. Many intermediate mountains stay unexplored or just briefly discussed. No present glaciated mountains exist in Ethiopia but current periglacial processes occur on the highest peaks. The climate change sensitivity of the mountain environment can be assessed which can contribute to the study of the temperature sensitive treeline and land cover changes. Afro-alpine vegetation can be influenced by the presence of relict (peri)glacial landforms, which change the growing conditions by different soil properties. Further research will need to complement the existing observations by unexplored mountains and to establish altitudinal north-south trajects in Ethiopia regarding vegetation, geomorphological processes and landforms.