Mammalian Diversity, Abundance and Habitat Preferences in Godebe National Park, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract In Ethiopia, the number of protected areas is increasing mainly to conserve the biodiversity resources facing anthropogenic threats and thereby mitigate the ever-changing temperature change and its effects. The study was conducted in Godebe Park with the target of assessing the variety, distribution, abundance, and habitat preferences of untamed mammalian species within the park. A stratified sampling technique was wont to collect data using line transect across four major habitat types. The information were analysed employing a speed sheet and R software version 4.2. Fifteen mammalian species were identified by direct sighting and indirect indicators under five orders and ten families. Carnivora was the family richest, whereas Bovidae was the species’ richest family. Combretum - Terminalia Woodland was the species richest with the best diversity (H′ = 1.98) and evenness (J = 0.73). Savana was the poorest in species richness whereas the smallest amount of diversity and evenness were recorded within the Riverine habitat (H′ = 1.15) and (J = 0.42). The best similarity in species occurrences was between Combretum - Terminalia Woodland and Riverine habitats(S = 0.75) and therefore the least similarity was between Combretum - Terminalia Woodland and Savana (0.52). Cercopithecus aethiops were the foremost abundant (relative abundance = 46.22%) followed by Hystrix cristata (17.78%) whereas the smallest amount abundant was Erythrocebus patas (0.44%). The National park is endowed with moderate wild mammalian diversity distributed all told major habitat types. The foremost preferable habitat type was the riverine forest with the foremost abundant of Cercopithecus aethiops. The National park is surrounded by resettlements and commercial farming harbouring ecological threats. A way of ownership should be developed by stakeholders and officials so the threats to the park should be removed.