Characterization of Afro-alpine and Sub-afro-alpine Biodiversity Using Geospatial Techniques: The Case of Gugu Mountain Ranges, Arsi-Bale Massif, South Eastern Physiographic Region of Ethiopia.

Abstract

Due to favorability of highlands of Ethiopia for human habitation and agriculture, biodiversity resources in this ecosystem have been under a serious peril. The ultimate objective of this study was to characterize afro-alpine and sub-afro-alpine biodiversity resources using geospatial technologies at Gugu Mountain Ranges (GMR). Data were generated from Landsat imageries of 1989, 2001 and 2019; DEM (SRTM); 25 field plot measurement; and five key informant interviewees. Change detection (using image differencing and change vector analysis), fragmentation and disturbance analysis, diversity computation and weighted overlay analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study showed that conversion rate of afro-alpine and sub-afro-alpine biodiversity habitat was rated as -2.17% between 1989 and 2019 predominantly to grazing/fallow land, farmland and settlement. Similarly, NDVI value testified decrease in dense vegetation which could be biodiversity habitat. Fragmentation indices revealed the presence of fragments which ranges from slight to high fragmentation. Fragments in the area resulted to patch diversity, and hence, albeit increased pressure species diversity computed by the Shannon and Simpson indices showed the presence of species richness in the area. Hereafter, the vulnerability level of the remnants of was estimated using road network, stream network, elevation, slope and land use land cover type. So that, weighted overlay analysis result showed that 85% of afro-alpine and sub-afro-alpine biodiversity areas were vulnerable to disturbances. To conclude, in the last 30 years afro-alpine and sub-afro alpine biodiversity at GMR faced greater disturbances and fragmented into patches, where it’s remaining biodiversity reserves becomes susceptible to changes. Hence, it is recommended that improvement of local community livelihood, ecotourism development and community empowerment the save this habitat from extinction.