DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF LARGE MAMMALS IN HANGAR FOREST, WESTERN ETHIOPIA.

ADVISOR: GUTEMA JIRA (PhD)

The diversity of mammals varies based on variation of altitude, climate and vegetation type. The study was conducted to investigate ‘the Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of large mammals in Hangar Natural Forest, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional National State, Western Ethiopia, from January 2021 to January 2022. Information on the diversity, abundance and distribution of large mammals were collected using a line transect survey method. Beside this indirect signs such as footprint, hoofmark, scat/droppings and burrows were used to confirm presence of large mammal species in the study area. Representative sample sites were taken from each habitat type by using stratified sampling technique as the study area is heterogeneous in vegetation and topography. In the process of assessing conservation challenges, household survey was conducted. A total of 10 species large mammals belonging to 4 orders were observed and recorded by direct and indirect evidences. Order carnivore was the most diversified taxa followed by order primates constituting four and three species respectively. However, order Rodentia was the least diversified being represented by a single species in the study area. The survey result revealed that among the 10 species, Anubis Baboon (Papio anubis) (33.1%) and Colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) (19.7%) were the first two most abundant mammals followed by Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) (14.9%). Whereas, Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)(3.7%) was the least abundant in the study area. Wild pig (Potamochoerular vatus) and Bush back (Tragelaphus scriptus) were represented by few individuals. The Cercophithecidae family contained the highest number of species. Though the forest is the living place for various wild mammalian species, the conversation measures of the local community should also consider those species in line with the efforts that have been done on forest management practices. Keywords: abundance; distribution; Hangar Natural Forest; mammalian; species diversity.