Species Composition and Relative Abundance of Medium and Large Sized Mammals in Woyde Woshe Community Reserve Forest Areas, Kucha Alpha Woreda, South Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to understand the Species composition & relative abundance of medium and large sized mammals in Woyde Woshe Community Reserve forest areas. Systematic Random sampling design frame were employed to ensure the representativeness of the study population by sampling the total area of the forest. Transect line varies from 1-2.1km long were sampled. Besides direct methods, indirect methods such as faecal droppings, fresh tracks, carcass or shell count, den (burrow), hair, and digging were used. An ecological study on medium and large mammal’s species has been carried out from January-March for dry season, & June–August for wet season. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. 17 mammalian species belonging to six orders & eleven families of medium and large sized mammals were identified in WWCRF. The species recorded were The majority of the mammalian species in the area were Papio anubis was the most abundant followed by, Cercopithecus pygerythrus, Colobus guereza, Cercopitheus neglectus, Sylvicapra grimma, Crocuta crocuta, Potamochoerus larvatus, Hystrix Cristata,Traglaphus Scriptus, Orycteropus afer, Oreotragus oreotragus, Genetta feline, Lepus habessinicus, Felis Caracal, Panthera paradus, Felis Serval , & Canis adustus. Seasonal variation in the number of species of medium & large sized was significantly different (p<0.05). A total of 532±10 & 362±7 medium & large sized mammals were counted during wet & dry seasons, respectively. Therefore, i suggest that to protect both nature & wildlife protection the important steps is studying on mammals and sustainable income generating strategy for local community to solve management problems of anthropogenic.

Keywords: Alpha Woreda ,  Bala Barsa Woyde,  Community Reserve forest, Gamo Zone, Kucha Woreda, Relative Abundance, Mammals, Woyde Woshe

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/14-2-02

Publication date: January 31^st 2023