Species composition, relative abundance and threat of medium and large sized mammals in Chebera Churchura National Park, South Western Ethiopia: Implication for ecotourism development

Abstract

Large and medium sized mammals can be found all over Ethiopia, ranging from desert to afro alpine environments and their distribution have been linked to habitat pattern, composition, and landscape configuration, and habitat structure. The objective of this study was to investigate the Species composition, diversity, relative abundance and threat of medium and large sized mammals and its implication for ecotourism development in Chebera Churchura National Park, South Western Ethiopia. The data were collected during both dry and wet seasons between February and July,2024 Based on the vegetation cover and topographic variation, the study area was stratified into four habitat types. We collected data by conducting line transect and interviewing key informants. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software and Micr o soft Excel 2010. A total of 33 specie of mammals grouped in 8 orders and 15 families were reco rded from the study area