Diversity, Abundance and Habitat Association of Medium and Large Sized Mammals in Debre-Libanos Monastery Forest, Central Part of Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract The study aimed to assess diversity, abundance and habitat association of medium and large sized mammals in Debre-libanos Monastery Forest. Stratified random sampling design was applied to stratify the study area in to four (Natural Forest, Plantation, Cliff/Rocky and Settlement) strata based on vegetation and habitat type. Both direct and indirect observation techniques were used along the transect line to identify mammal species. A total of 11 medium and large sized mammal species belong to 6 orders and 8 families were identified during the study period. Order carnivore was dominant followed by primate, which accounted for 36.4% and 27.3%, respectively. The highest diversity (H' = 1.44) of medium and large sized mammals was observed in the natural forest during the dry season and lowest diversity (H' = 0.77) of mammals recorded in the settlement habitat during the dry season. High species similarity observed between natural forest and plantation (SI=0.89) whereas low similarity observed between cliff/rocky and settlement (SI=0.20). Debrelibanos Monastery Forest has a great role for conservation of forest and biodiversity. In addition, the area has different landscapes, plant species, rivers and chins of mountains; those attract tourism activities. If the tourism development increase at the area, the income of regional and national government will increase. Therefore, the monastery needs attention by regional and national government to save mammals and the monasteries, especially for the protection of an endemic species of Gelada baboon. In other way there was a conflict between local communities and abbey administrators with in grazing livestock’s, so, clear demarcation will require to resolve this problem and further monitoring of the mammals and exploring further possibilities of rehabilitation of its habitat should be of conservation priority.