Central Highlands Of Ethiopia Research Articles

Forage yield and nutritive value of Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin.) as affected by cutting heights in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin) an important fodder grass. However, information on its production is lacking. This study was carried out to evaluate the forage dry matter yield and nutritive value of Desho grass harvested at different cutting heights (CH), under rain-fed conditions in two different sites in central highlands of Ethiopia for two years. The treatments (T1-T8) were: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 cm cutting heights, distributed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The root splits of the grass were planted in a 3 m × 4 m (12 m2) plot size with 0.5 m × 0.25 m inter and intra-row spacing. In the two locations, over the years, significant differences were observed among cutting heights. The interaction of cutting heights by locations, and location by years were also significant. The interaction among cutting height, location, and year was insignificant. The highest (number of leaves per plant) NLPP was attained as the plant height advance, while the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) showed non-significant differene in different treatments. The dry matter yield (DMY) increased linearly with an increase in CH (ranging from 12.2 to 20.1 t ha−1 at Holetta, and 4.2 to 11.4 t ha−1at Kulumsa). The grass's ash and crude protein (CP) contents decreased as the cutting height increased. An increase in CH increased the fiber content Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and Acid detergent lignin (ADL), resulting decrease in in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). We recommend that desho grass be managed at 80–90 cm height resulting in optimum dry matter yield and nutritive value for use in smallholder farmers and market-oriented livestock producers of the central highlands of Ethiopia and major growing areas.

The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis

Pleistocene environments are among the most studied issues in paleoecology and human evolution research in eastern Africa. Many data have been recorded from archaeological sites located at low and medium elevations (≤ 1500 m), whereas few contexts are known at 2000 m and above. Here, we present a substantial isotopic study from Melka Kunture, a complex of prehistoric sites located at 2000—2200 m above sea level in the central Ethiopian highlands. We analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of 308 faunal tooth enamel samples from sites dated between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma to investigate the animal diets and habitats. The carbon isotopic results indicate that the analyzed taxa had C4-dominated and mixed C3-C4 diets with no significant diachronic changes in feeding behavior with time. This is consistent with faunal and phytolith analyses, which suggested environments characterized by open grasslands (with both C3 and C4 grasses), patches of bushes and thickets, and aquatic vegetation. However, palynological data previously documented mountain forests, woodlands, and high-elevation grasslands. Additionally, the carbon isotopic comparison with other eastern African localities shows that differences in elevation did not influence animal feeding strategies and habitat partitioning, even though plant species vary according to altitudinal gradients. In contrast, the oxygen isotopic comparison suggests significant differences consistent with the altitude effect. Our approach allows us to detect diverse aspects of animal behavior, habitat, and vegetation that should be considered when reconstructing past environments.

Adoption of agroforestry technologies: a case study from central highlands of Ethiopia

Adoption of agroforestry technologies: a case study from central highlands of Ethiopia

Productivity and economic feasibility of cultivated forage and food crops in the central highlands of Ethiopia

The study was conducted to evaluate the yield performance of improved forage and food crops and to estimate the profitability of fodder and food crops in Holetta and Ejere areas, central highlands of Ethiopia during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications and evaluated two annual forage crops, two perennial forage crops, and two cereal food crops. Data on herbage dry matter (DM) yield was collected for forage crops while straw and grain yields were measured for food crops. Partial budget analysis was made to evaluate the economic feasibility of forage and food crops production. The result revealed that the herbage DM yield varied (P<0.05) at each location during each production year and combined over years and between the two locations. The straw and grain yields of food crops also varied (P<0.05) between the two production years and locations. The nutritive values of herbage and straw yields of forage and food crops differed (P<0.05) for all measured parameters. The crude protein and in-vitro dry matter digestibility of perennial forage crops were relatively higher than annual forage crops and straw of food crops. The partial budget analysis result indicated that the gross revenue (GR) and net return (NR) obtained from food crops were the highest followed by annual forage crops while the least was recorded from perennial forage crops during the first year of production. However, perennial forage crops produced the higher GR and NR than food crops and annual forage crops in the second year of production. In the second year of production, among the forage crops, Desho grass generated 308, 293, 287, and 232% while Rhodes grass generated 99, 92, 90, and 62% more NR than wheat, sole oat, barley, and oat/vetch mixtures, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of perennial forage crops was the lowest (3.0 for Desho and 1.6 for Rhodes) in the first year of production but the ratio was the highest (17.2 for Desho and 8.6 for Rhodes) in the second year of production. This confirms the better economic feasibility of perennial forage crops as they can be maintained using minimal management cost once they have been established.

Evaluate the effectiveness of soil and water conservation interventions in the upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia

AbstractThe central highland of Ethiopia is facing significant challenges due to land degradation, which resulted in changes to the soil's physicochemical properties. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of different conservation methods in enhancing soil physicochemical properties, reducing soil loss and erosion, and maximizing land productivity in Ankober District of Kenseta watershed. For this study, two land uses (conserved and non‐conserved land), three slope positions, and three replication with the soil depth of 0–30 cm were used for undisturbed and disturbed soil samples data collection and analysis. The survey data were collected and evaluated from 106 randomly selecting respondents' households. The results showed significant variation in the mean value of soil physical properties (bulk density, soil moisture content, soil texture) within and between conserved and non‐conserved land. The chemical properties, including pH, EC, exK, CEC, OC, OM, and available P, also changed significant across land management types and along slope position (p < 0.05). Soil managed with stone face soil bund demonstrated significant improvement in soil physicochemical properties. The results were statistically significant difference at (p < 0.05) level of significance. Majority of the respondents' households explained the soil loss and rate of soil erosion were declined and land productivity status increased after the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the study area. Therefore, proper conservation practices are vital in minimizing the rate of soil loss, ameliorating physical and chemical properties of the soils, and enhancing land productivity.

Morphological characteristics, dry matter yield, and nutritive value of maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum spp.) grown under different planting densities in the central highlands of Ethiopia

IntroductionMaralfalfa grass (Pennisetum spp.) is known for its high dry matter productivity and nutritive value. However, information on agronomic management practices to improve yield and nutritive value in Ethiopia is sparse.Materials and methodThe experiment consisted of 7 plant densities (33,333 [75 cm × 40 cm]; 26,667[75 cm × 50 cm]; 25,000 [100 cm × 40 cm]; 22,222 [75 cm × 60 cm]; 20,000 [100 cm × 50 cm]; 16,667 [100 cm × 60 cm]; and 13,333 [125 cm × 60 cm] plants per hectare, and arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications.ResultsThe results indicated that the year had a significant (P<0.001) effect on measured traits. Plant densities had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the number of nodes and leaves per plant, leaf length, and basal diameters. The number of tillers per plant varied significantly among plant densities only in the first year at the 1st harvest. Plant height in the first year was significantly (P<0.01) greater than in the second year.DiscussionAnnual dry matter production and annual crude protein production of Maralfalfa grass were not significantly affected by plant density. Nutritive value parameters (CP, Ash, NDF, ADF, ADL, and IVDMD) were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by plant density. Using a lower plant density could reduce the amount of planting material, transport, and labor costs.ConclusionHowever, further studies on Maralfalfa grass should be conducted in multi-locations of Ethiopia both under rain-fed and irrigated conditions with various agronomic practices.

Grain yield productivity, nutrient uptake and use efficiency and profitability of oat (Avena sativa L.) as influenced by variety and levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Grain yield productivity, nutrient uptake and use efficiency and profitability of oat (Avena sativa L.) as influenced by variety and levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Verification of Vermicompost Technology on Faba Bean Production at Welmera District, Birbo Watershed, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Vicia faba, usually known as faba bean, which is commonly cultivated as a crop for human consumption, is the world’s leading source of protein. However, due to the low availability of basic cations, excess of hydrogen and aluminium in exchangeable forms, soil fertility limits its productive potential. Thus, this verification trial was intended to show the effects of Vermicompost technology on faba bean production, productivity and soil properties improvement on Nitisol of Birbo watershed in Welmera district in 2020/23. This verification work indicated that vermicompost application had contributed to the improvement of soil’s chemical properties and yields of faba bean, even if statistically non-significant results were observed. Soil chemical properties like pH, TN and OC were observed due to their application. From this study it is concluded that fifty per cent of nitrogen (0.47 ton ha-1) from Vermicompost and fifty per cent of nitrogen from urea would be recommended to be applied in the areas which have the same agro-ecology and soil properties as Welmera Districts.

Genetic Variability for the Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Some Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines in the Central Highland of Ethiopia

After rice and wheat, maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most significant and valuable crop in terms of industrial production in the world. The experiment was conducted to determine the nature and magnitude of genetic variability for various traits of maize inbred lines at the Ambo Plant Protection Research Center experimental field during 2013/2014, the major cropping season. The experiment’s design was described in 5 × 5 triple lattice designs. The results of the analysis of variance revealed that genotypic mean squares were significant for all traits, indicating that the inbred lines under study had a higher level of genetic diversity. In terms of genotypic and phenotypic variation, the largest coefficient was found in grain yield per hectare (28.49 and 35.43) followed by the number of tassel branches (23.14 and 24.92), respectively. Both days to 50% silking (91.57) and days to 50% tasseling (86.56) showed a high magnitude of broad-sense heritability. The results of the phenotypic and genotypic correlation analyses showed that grain yield per plant significantly correlated positively with five traits at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. The number of kernels per row, aboveground biomass production per plant, harvest index, and grain yield per hectare might all be employed as selection criteria to increase the maize grain yield, according to path coefficient analysis at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. The grain yield and other significant yield components were found to be superior with inbred lines AMH169-55 and AMH169-86. Therefore, it is advised that these lines be used to further enhance the maize crop.

The impact of watershed on household food security: A comparative analysis

Watersheds provide a substantial contribution to household food security. The study investigates whether watershed development and management practices (WDMP) can help with food security challenges, and it compares the impact of WDMP on household food security status among practitioners and non-practitioners in the central highlands of Ethiopia and identified the determinants factors. The study employed a mixed research design with a cross-sectional approach. Household Dietary Diversity Score and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale were used to estimate households' food security status and An Ordered logit econometric model was applied to identify determinant factors. The study resulted in 44.65 % of non-practitioners and 18.30 % of practitioners had a low level of dietary diversity; whereas, 43.40 % of non-practitioners and 38.56 % of practitioners were severely food insecure. The household head's age, the number of laborers, income, livestock size, and agricultural land size highly determined the food security status of households. The HDDS and HFIAS findings reveal a statistically significant difference between WDM practitioners and non-practitioners. Therefore stakeholders must stress the promotion of WDMP to achieve food security.

Food Security Determinants and Coping Strategies in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Food insecurity has emerged as a key problem and development challenge in Ethiopia even after the country has shown some economic recovery. The main objective of this study was to analyze food security determinants and coping strategies in central highlands of Ethiopia. The data were collected from 123 households from three Kebeles, nine key informant interviews, and three focus group discussions. The methods of analysis included household food balance model (HFBM), Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT), household food consumption score (HFCS), and binary logistic regression model (BLR). The results indicated that 62% of the households were food insecure. The mean calorie intake of the households was 2051.02 kcal/person/day. A statistically significant difference across the agroecological zones was observed in terms of food insecurity at the p = 0.05 level. Empirically, landholding size and soil fertility were the significant determinants of food security status at p = 0.01 level. Changes in consumption patterns and the sale of livestock are the dominant coping strategies reported by 88% and 84% of households, respectively. This study recommends changes in government policies and strategies to sustainably mitigate food security challenges by focusing on the district’s potential.

Precursor crop and vertisols type influences on teff (Eragrostis tef) response to fertilizer rates in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Optimization of fertilizer-N and -P is important to highland production of teff (Eragrostis tef) on Vertisols of central Ethiopia but may be affected by precursor crop and Vertisols type. On-farm experiments were conducted in three major teff growing districts of North Shewa (Moretina jiru, Ensaro, and Merhabete) in 2019 and 2020 with the main objectives was to determine the effect of precursor crops and Vertisols type on teff response to N and P rates. The N x P factorial combinations include 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1 and 0, 30, 60, and 90 kg P ha−1 applied each to light and heavy Vertisols with either cereal or pulse precursor crops in each district. In Merhabete, grain yield was significantly influenced by Pc x Vt x N and Pc x Vt x P but always with the lowest and highest grain yield with 0 and 240 kg N ha−1, respectively. Yield was 394 % more with 240 kg N ha−1 compared with no N and P applied. The Vt x Pc × N interaction affected teff yield in Moretina Jiru as application of 240 kg N ha−1 increased teff yield by 440 %, 30 %, 23 %, and 7 % on light Vertisols compared with 200 %, 16 %, 13 %, and 2 % on heavy Vertisols. The 4-way interaction of Vt x Pc x N x P affected grain yield in Ensaro due to the low N and P status of the soil coupled with the distinct Vertisols type in the district. In all districts, yield response to N was greater with pulse compared with cereal precursor crops and with a greater response for heavy compared with light Vertisols in Moretina Jiru and Ensaro. In Moretina Jiru, application of 170 kg−1N and soil maintenance level of 30 kg−1 of P ha−1 are recommended as an economic optimum rate (EOR). In Ensaro, the EOR for teff following cereal on light Vertisols are 166 kg N ha−1 and 65 kg P ha−1. At Ensaro, needed rates for teff following pulse on light Vertisols are 198 N ha−1 and 48 kg P ha−1. At Ensaro, needed rates for teff following cereal on heavy Vertisols are 240 N ha−1 and 90 kg P ha−1. At Ensaro, needed rates for teff following pulse on heavy Vertisols are 240 N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1. In Merhabete, the EOR for teff following cereal on light Vertisols are 182 kg N ha−1 and 60 kg P ha−1. In Merhabete, needed rates for teff following pulse on light Vertisols are 206 N ha−1 and 64 kg P ha−1. In Merhabete, needed rates for teff following cereal on heavy Vertisols are 240 N ha−1 and 90 kg P ha−1. In Merhabete, needed rates for teff following pulse on heavy Vertisols are 218 N ha−1 and 58 kg P ha−1. Therefore, those N and P rate are recommended for the study area, soil type and precursor crops.

Effects of Integrated Application of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizers on Selected Soil Characteristics and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Dire and Legedadi Watersheds of Ethiopia

The adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices can improve soil quality and sustainably increase crop yield while slowing down the rate of ongoing degradation. This research assessed the effects of selected ISFM practices on soil properties at the Dire and Legedadi watersheds, central highlands of Ethiopia, in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. Eight treatments were selected (sole wheat, sole faba bean, 100% recommended NPS + urea fertilizers, 100% recommended vermicompost (VC), wheat with half dose both NPS + urea and VC, wheat and faba bean intercropping with half dose both NPS + urea and VC, wheat and faba bean intercropping with half‐dose NPS + urea fertilizers, and wheat and faba bean intercropping with 50% VC). The treatments were studied on farmers’ fields using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed that soil samples collected from each plot indicated significant differences in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Pav), exchangeable bases (Ca2+, Na+, and Kexc), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soil pH and moisture showed improvement in combined fertilizers application compared to the preplanting soil sample. A combined application of VC and NPS + urea fertilizers significantly (p < 0.05) increased SOC, Pav, K+, Na+, and CEC compared to the control. A combined application of VC and NPS + urea fertilizers improved the soil quality. The highest TN contents of 0.36% at the Dire site and 0.30% at the Legedadi site were obtained with the full dose VC treatment. Additionally, this treatment resulted in the greatest water‐holding capacity and soil carbon stock at both sites. Similarly, the wheat‐faba bean intercropped plots showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the soil carbon stock and sequestration over the control in both study sites. Based on the results of the current study, it can be concluded that the combined application of a half dose of each VC and NPS + urea fertilizers improved most soil physicochemical properties at both sites. This suggests that using a combination of VC and NPS + urea fertilizers can help farmers reduce their inorganic fertilizer needs by 50%.

Effect of Plant Density and NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Central highland of Ethiopia

Maize is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia due to its use as a source of food security. However, its productivity is limited by insufficient application of the NPS fertilizer and inappropriate plant density. A field experiment was conducted during 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at Liban Jawi and Toke Kutaye districts of West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia to study the effect of plant density and NPS fertilizer rates on growth, yield, and yield components of maize. The experiment consisted of three plant populations (53,300, 66,600 and 88,800 plants ha-1) and five NPS fertilizer rates (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg NPS ha-1) laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that plant height, ear height and biological yield increased with increasing plant density. On the contrary ear length, number of grains per row, grain yield and harvest index decreased with increasing plant density. Plant density of 53,300 plants ha-1 produced the higher grain yield (5969 kgha-1) compared to that of 88,800 plants ha-1 (5175 kg ha-1). However, grain yield at 53,300 plants ha-1 did not show a significant difference with that of 66,600 plants ha-1 (5746 kg ha-1). In case of NPS fertilizer rates the results showed that plant height, ear height, ear length, number of grains per row, 1000 seed weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index increased with increasing NPS fertilizer rates up to optimum rate. Fertilizer application of 200kg NPS ha-1 produced a higher grain yield (6710 kg ha-1). The highest economic (126,423 Birr ha-1) and a higher MRR (2630%) resulted from the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1 with a plant population of 53,300 plants ha-1. Therefore a Plant density of 53,300 plants ha-1 and a blended fertilizer application with 200 kg NPS ha-1 was the most appropriate for highland maize in the study area.

Enteric methane emission factors of smallholder dairy farming systems across intensification gradients in the central highlands of Ethiopia

BackgroundFollowing global pledges to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to the baseline level of 2020, improved quantification of GHG emissions from developing countries has become crucial. However, national GHG inventories in most Sub-Saharan African countries use default (Tier I) emission factors (EFS) generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to estimate enteric CH4 emissions from animal agriculture. The present study provides an improved enteric CH4 emission estimate (Tier II) based on animal energy requirements derived from animal characteristics and performance data collected from about 2500 cattle in 480 households from three smallholder farming systems to represent the common dairy farming in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Using average seasonal feed digestibility data, we estimated daily methane production by class of animal and farming system and subsequently generated improved EF.ResultsOur findings revealed that the estimated average EF and emission intensities (EI) vary significantly across farming systems. The estimated value of EF for adult dairy cows was 73, 69, and 34 kg CH4/cow/year for urban, peri-urban, and rural farming systems, respectively. Rural dairy farming had significantly higher emission intensity (EI) estimated at 1.78 CO2-eq per kg of fat protein-corrected milk (FPCM) than peri-urban and urban 0.71 and 0.64 CO2-eq kg−1 FPCM dairy farming systems, respectively. The EF estimates in this study are lower than the IPCC's (2019) default value for both stall-fed high-productive and dual-purpose low-productive cows.ConclusionsThe current findings can be used as a baseline for the national emission inventory, which can be used to quantify the effects of future interventions, potentially improving the country's commitment to reducing GHG emissions. Similarly, this study suggests that increased animal productivity through improved feed has a considerable mitigation potential for reducing enteric methane emissions in smallholder dairy farming systems in the study area.

Diversity Index and Phenotypic Character Analysis for Important Qualitative Traits of Sunflower [Helianthus annuus L] Genotypes in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop. It is grown for vegetable and industrial oils in the world. Sunflower oil is considered to be of supreme quality. The Production, productivity and area coverage of sunflower in Ethiopia is low and below the world average due to different reasons. Sunflower can contribute a big share in improving local edible oil production due to its short interval for maturity, high oil contents, better fitting in the cropping pattern, tolerance to drought and its high yield potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to quantify genetic variability of fourteen qualitative traits using Shannon-waver diversity index. A total of 220 genotypes including checks varieties were evaluated in 2020/21 main cropping season at Holeta, Ethiopia. Alpha lattice design was used with two replications and eleven blocks were nested within a replication. Based on fourteen qualitative traits significant variability or dissimilarity was observed among Sunflower genotypes. Analysis of Shannon-waver diversity index shows that H' values ranges from ~0.075 for leaf arrangement to ~0.99 for bract shape at the back of sunflower head. This shows that there is considerable diversity among the studied genotypes for the qualitative traits which can have good indications and amplification during selections of genotypes in sunflower improvement either ornamental type, confectionery or oil type sunflower.

Support vector machine-based spatiotemporal land use land cover change analysis in a complex urban and rural landscape of Akaki river catchment, a Suburb of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Intense level of land use land cover (LULC) changes has been observed in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the central highlands of Ethiopia, due to rapid population growth and urbanization process. However, quantifying and identifying the rural-urban landscape changes are challenging. In this study, LULC changes during the years 1984, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021 have been analyzed using satellite imageries and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms in a heterogenous rural and urban landscape of the Akaki river catchment, central highlands of Ethiopia. The LULC change drivers were evaluated by applying LULC thematic change analysis combined with key informants’ interviews. Seven LULCs that include: Built-up area (BTA), Cropland (CL), Grassland (GL), Waterbody (WB), Plantation Forest (PF), Woodland (WL), and Bareland (BL) were detected. The result shows that 51.3 % of the catchment area has been transformed into other land uses. BTA increased by 24.7 % while GL and WL reduced by 18.1 % and 5.9 % respectively. Large areas of CL (61 %) and GL (22 %) were changed into an urban landscape. The spatial and non-spatial analysis revealed that the major spatiotemporal LULC change drivers between 1984 and 2005 were land use policy and legislation change and the Eucalyptus tree plantation campaign. Whereas, low-cost housing programs, informal settlers, market opportunity, and real estate development were the main drivers for the LULC changes between 2006 and 2021. The study also found the key informant observation and SVM image classification results are aligned and therefore, we found the SVM-based classifications are suited for such complex rural-urban landscape change and pattern analysis. The outcome of this research can contribute to improving land use policy, its management, and public understanding of the LULC dynamics and its implications.

Occupancy of the Ethiopian endemic Moorland Francolin in pristine and degraded Afroalpine biome using a camera trap approach.

Occupancy modeling is an essential tool for understanding species-habitat associations, thereby helping to plan the conservation of rare and threatened wildlife species. The conservation status and ecology of several avian species, particularly ground-dwelling birds, are poorly known in Ethiopia. We used camera trap-based occupancy modeling to investigate habitat covariate influence on occupancy (Ψ) and detection probability (ρ) estimates of Moorland Francolins Scleroptila psilolaema from spatially replicated surveys across both relatively pristine and disturbed landscapes in the Afroalpine biome of Ethiopia. Model-averaged estimate of across all sites was 0.76 (SD = 0.28) and was 0.77 (SD = 0.13) in the pristine landscape. The of the species in the disturbed landscape was 0.56 (SD = 0.19) and was 0.48 (SD = 0.06). As hypothesized, based on our model-averaged beta coefficient estimates (βmean ± SE), predators significantly negatively influenced the occupancy of Moorland Francolins in pristine habitat. We also found a significant positive association of occupancy with herb species richness. Contrary to our prediction, distance to road significantly negatively influence the occupancy of the species, suggesting that occupancy probability was highest in proximity to roadsides and trails in the pristine habitat. There was no significant influence of habitat covariates on the occupancy of the species in the disturbed habitat. The most important covariates that significantly influence the detectability of the species in pristine habitat included sampling occasion and precipitation. The greater occupancy and detectability of this endemic species in the pristine habitat could be linked with the particular conservation status and management of this biodiversity hotspot in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Our results suggest that strict legal enforcement is required to sustainably preserve Moorland Francolins and the ecological integrity of the entire Afroalpine biome. We recommend using camera traps in order to develop realistic and effective conservation and management strategies for rare, sensitive, cryptic, and ground-dwelling animals in the region.

Corrigendum: Enhancing dairy productivity through best bet feeding interventions under smallholders in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Corrigendum: Enhancing dairy productivity through best bet feeding interventions under smallholders in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Feeding Ecology of Omo River Guerezas (Colobus guereza guereza) in Natural Versus Plantation Forests in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Feeding Ecology of Omo River Guerezas (Colobus guereza guereza) in Natural Versus Plantation Forests in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia