Abstract:
Studies on the diversity and abundance of airport mammals help to evaluate their potential
impacts to aviation industries. This study was aimed to record diversity, relative abundance and
runway cross pattern of mammalian species in Aba Jifar airport compound, Jimma, Ethiopia. The
study was conducted between February and August, 2020 and covers two seasons. To survey and
record mammalian species, the 420 ha area of airport compound was conveniently divided in to
three blocks (Block I, II and III). To record small mammal diversity, in each block about 30 to 40
mixed live and snap traps were randomly set at about 10 m interval between traps. Line transect
method was employed to record medium and large mammalian diversity. Five transects, two for
each grassland blocks (I & III) and one for block II (runway) were established along the east-west
direction of the airport compound. Each transect has 4 km length and about 200 m space between
each. Data for nocturnal mammals and night time runway crossing patterns of mammals sensor
camera traps were used. Indirect methods such as dropping, pug mark, scat, and calls were also
used to record the presence and absence of mammals. Total count procedure was used to record
the dominant species (Bohor reedbucks). A total of 20 species of mammals were recorded, of
which five were small mammals. Some of the recorded small mammals were Lophuromys
flavopunctatus, Mus musculus and Rattus rattus, while reedbuck, hyena, bush pig, jackal and civet
were medium and large sized. The highest species diversity of small mammals was recorded
during the dry season (H’= 1.56), while the least was during the wet season (H’= 1.54).
Lophuromys flavopunctatus was the most abundant species with 43(30.5%) individual, while the
least was Rattus rattus 18(12.77%) individual during both seasons. Regarding medium and large
sized mammals, the highest species diversity was obtained during the dry season (H’ =1.44),
while wet season was the least with (H= 1.42). Bohor reedbuck was the most abundant species
with 251 (60.77%) average number of individuals, followed by spotted hyena 134(16.22%) and
Bush hyrax was the least 2 (0.24%) in both seasons. Reedbuck and hyena frequently crossed
runway and seem potential hazardous species for the aviation activities. Translocating, at least,
part of the reedbucks to reduce runway cross and to lower carnivores visit, is recommended to
enhance safe aviation activity and to reduce the risk and safeguard the endemic reedbuck
sub-species.
