2023/11/20 by Jira, Gutema, Mekonen, Dereje
#Abundance #Diversity #Komto Forest #Large Mammals
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v12i2.03
Despite the high diversity and abundance of large mammals in the southern and western lowland habitats of Ethiopia, the area has received little attention. Hence, the present study was conducted with the aim of providing land marking information on large mammals in Komto National Forest Priority, western Ethiopia. The survey was conducted using the line transect method, where direct observations and indirect signs (footprints, pugmarks, tracks, feces, and sounds) were collected. The large mammal species recorded in the present study were grouped into 5 orders (Primate, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Lagomarpha, Rodentia), 11 families, and 19 species. The family Cercopithecidae was most diversified, constituting four species (Papio anubis, Cercopethicus aethiops, Cercopethicus a. pygerythus, and Cercopethicus neglectus), followed by the family Suidae (Hylochoerus meiertzhageni, Phacochoerus africanus, and Potamocherus larvatus). Family Bovidae, Canidae, and Felidae comprised two species each, and family Colobinae, Mustelidae, Viverridae, Hyaenidae, Leporidae, and Hystricidae were represented by one species per family. Colobus guerza was the most abundant species (20.833±7.184), followed by Papio anubis (17.305±4.26) and Cercopethicus neglectus (15.832±6.701). Comparatively, low density was recorded for common jackal and bushbuck, with absolute mean densities of 1.940±1.348 and 1.431±1.184, respectively. While the lower abundance of bushbuck is attributed to the higher bushmeat hunting practices in the area, the lower abundance of large carnivores is attributed to their secretive nature and the presence of high human disturbance in the area. As carnivores are at the top trophic level, their rarity can significantly affect the ecological balance and biodiversity of the area in the long run unless appropriate actions are taken to minimize human disturbance in and around Komto Forest Priority Area, western Ethiopia.