The Diversity, Distribution and Relative Abundance of Medium and Large-Sized Mammals in Chukala Mountain Forest, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the diversity, distribution, relative abundance of large and medium size mammals in Chukala mountain Forest from March 2020- August 2020. Preliminary survey was conducted and three habitat types: Montane Forest with grassland, woodland and Riverine Forest were identified. A line transect survey method was implemented to record the mammalian diversity. Representative Line transects were purposively selected and permanently surveyed for two seasons. Each transect was surveyed twice a month for two months per season. Data was collected in each line transect by direct and indirect method. A total of 12 species, 5 orders and 8 families were recorded from study area. Among them three (3) species;the Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiopis), Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) and Ethiopian hare (Lepus fagani) were medium sized mammals while other nine (9) species were large sized mammals. From these species Olive baboon (Papio anubis) is the most abundant species while Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) was the least abundant species in study area. The highest species diversity was recorded in woodland (H‟ =1.700) followed by Montane forest with grassland (H‟=1.156) and the least diversified habitat was Riverine forest (H‟=1.070) in the dry season. The similarity of mammalian species were recorded between the Montane forest with grassland and Riverine forest in both seasons (SI=1). This study identified and recorded medium and large sized mammalian species and provided current information about their existence in Chukala Mountain forest. Other researchers are recommended to find out additional mammalian species, plant, bird species and other, impact on and rehabilitation of Chukala mountain forest.