Diversity of medium and large-sized mammal species in Chilimo Forest, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Investigating species distribution and diversity patterns is vital for conservation efforts in biodiversity-rich countries such as Ethiopia. The present study examined the diversity of medium and large-sized mammal species in the Chilimo forest, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. It was conducted from January 2022 to October 2022 by stratifying the study area into three habitat types: natural forest, plantation, and human-modified forest. A fixed-width line transect sampling method was used to collect the mammalian data. A total of 14 medium and large mammal species belonging to 11 families and six orders, were recorded in the forest during the study period. Of these, 11 were medium, and 3 were large-sized mammals. The Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) was the most abundant mammal species, accounting for 41.7 % of the total abundance. The abundance of medium and large-sized mammals varied significantly among the three habitat types (Species × Habitat; Chi-square test of independence; χ2 = 163.385, df = 26, p < 0.001) and between the wet and dry seasons (Species × Season; Chi-square test of independence; χ2 = 43.753, df = 13, p < 0.001). During the dry season, species diversity was the highest in the natural forest and plantation habitat (H’ = 1.76 in both). The natural forest also supported the highest species diversity during the wet season (H’ = 1.57), followed by the plantation and human-modified habitats (H’ = 1.54 in both). An 88% similarity in species composition was observed between the natural and human-modified forests. The occurrence of 14 species of medium and large-sized mammals in the study area calls for immediate conservation actions in collaboration with respective stakeholders to protect the area’s biodiversity.