A Preliminary Survey of Medium and Large‐Sized Mammals in Amoro Forest,
West Gojjam Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia
Abstract
Aim: The objective of this study was to survey the species composition,
relative abundance and to determine major threats of medium and
large-sized mammals in Amoro Forest. Method: Linetransects surveying and
indirect surveys method (including fresh tracks, scats, hair, spines and
burrows) were used to survey mammalian diversity. A survey was conducted
in the early morning from 6:00 to 10:00 and late afternoon from 16:00 to
19:00. Key interview and direct site observationswere carried out to
assess the major threat of mammals in the study area. Results: A total
of 12 species of medium and large sized mammals belonging to sex orders
and eight families were recorded. Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Vervet
monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) and Olive baboon (Papio anubis) were among
the medium-sized mammals while, Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta),Leopard
(Panthera pardus) and Common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) were among the
large sized mammals observed in the study area. Shannon–Wiener Index
values were low (H′ = 1.666) whereas, the Simpson’s index (1-D) of
diversity showed the highest species diversity (0.761) in the study
area. Illegal logging of trees; overgrazing, agricultural activities and
human-wildlife conflicts were the foremost threats in the area.
Conclusion: Species richness and evenness were varied from habitat to
habitat in Amoro forest. Land degradation anddifferent
anthropogenicactivities were common threats for the mammals in the study
area. Community participation and awareness creation is very important
to limit the impact of anthropogenic activities threatening wildlife.
Key words: Anthropogenic activity, Conservation, Diversity,
Mammalssurvey