Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess the diversity, distribution and relative abundance of medium
and large-sized mammals in Kabana Forest, Limmu Kossa District Jimma Zone, Oromia
National Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia. The study covered two seasons between March to
August 2024. Preliminary survey was conducted and three habitat types; Natural forest with
coffee bearing, Plantation forest and Riverine forest were identified. A Stratified systematic
random sampling design was used to establish line transect in the all habitat types and species
identification were made along each transect. Every transect line was surveyed twice each
seasons. Data was collected in each line transect by direct and in direct observation method. A
total of 18 species of mammals from 6 orders and 11 families were recorded from the study area
during dry and wet seasons. Among these mammals only 3 species were medium sized, whereas
the remaining 15 species were large sized mammals. From the three representative habitats
Coffee bearing Natural Forest had the highest diversity index (H’=2.39), followed by plantation
forest (H’=2.28), and the least diversified habitat was Riverine forest (H’=1.99), during dry season.
During the wet season the highest diversity of mammals was noted in the Coffee bearing Natural
forest (H’=2.23) followed by the riverine forest (H’=2.21), whereas the plantation forest showed
the lowest diversity (H’=2.18 The highest species similarity was obtaining between natural
forest with coffee bearing and Riverine forest habitats (SI=0.97) and the least similarity was
between plantation forest and Riverine forest (SI=0.69) during dry season. Mammals of the
study area were classified in to common 9 (50 %),Bush pig (Potamochoerus larvatus),Common
duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), Olive baboon (Papio anubis), species were the most common,
followed by Bush hyrax (Procavia capensis), African civet (Civettictis civetta) 6 (33.3%) species
were un common and Leopard (Panthera pardus), crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) and
Honey badger (Mellivora capensis), 3 (16.6%) are rare based on the way of the sighted in the
study area. This study identified and recorded medium and large sized mammalian species and
provided current information about their existence in Kabana forest. Other researchers are
recommended to find out additional mammalian species, plant and bird species of Kabana
forest.
