Diversity, Distribution and Relative Abundance of Medium and Large Sized Mammals in Kabana Forest, Limmu Kossa District, South west Ethiopia

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.