A Study on the Diversity, Distribution and Relative Abundance Of Medium And Large-sized Mammalian Species in Sheko Forest Priority Area, Bench Maji Zone Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the diversity, relative abundance and habitat association of medium and large-sized mammas in Sheko Forest priority Area, Bench Maji Zone South Nation and Nationalities People’s Regional State. A two season data (from January to July) was collected using a transect line survey method. Representative transects were established in all the three zones of the forest; namely, core buffer and transition and transects for the actual study were selected randomly. Mammals were recorded by direct observation with naked eyes or aided by binoculars. The presence and absence of some species were also recorded by indirect method like finger print. Nine species of mammals were recorded from the present study area which belongs to four Orders and 6 families. Out of the three zones of the forest, transition zone was the most diversified (H= 1.62) during dry season while the Core zone was the most diversified Zone during the wet season (H =0.947). The most abundant mammal in the forest was Olive baboon (73.6 %) followed by Vervet monkey (21.15%), pig (5.2%). The highest species similarity was seen between the Core and Transition zones of the forest (SI= 0.42) during dry season and the least was between the Buffer and Transition zones (SI= 0.30). During wet season the highest similarity was seen between the Buffer and Transition zones (SI=0.375) of the forest and the least was seen between the Core and Transition as well as the Core and Buffer zones (SI=0.33).Among the mammalian species identified in the forest, 55.5% (4 species) were common, 33.3% (3 species) were uncommon and 22.2% (2 species) were rare based on how often they were sighted during the time of data collection. Despite the study area is home for different species of mammals, livestock grazing and human encroachments are evident in the area putting strain on the flora and fauna .hence, conservation measures should be taken to ensure long term conservation of the area .