Assessment of challenges and opportunities for wildlife conservation in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia

IF 1.7 4区 环境科学与生态学 Q2 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Kabeta Legese, Afework Bekele
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Abstract

Background and Research Aims Biodiversity loss is a recent global crisis largely due to intense anthropogenic pressures. A study was conducted in Wenchi highlands in the late 2020 and early 2021 to explore the major challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Methods Data were collected using semi–structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and direct observations from four relatively accessible highland villages. The questionnaires were administered to 395 randomly selected household farmers based on their accessibility, presence of natural forest remnants and proximity to an iconic Lake Wenchi. Results The types of natural resource utilizations (χ 2 =87.94, df=4, P < 0.05) and the attitudes of the local community varied among the respondents (χ 2 =110.92, df=2, P < 0.05). The majority of the respondents used the natural resources as sources of firewood (70.19%) and for cattle grazing (63.51%). Most of the community members (56.47%) had a positive attitude towards biodiversity conservation. Only 12.14% had no idea about biodiversity conservation. The study also identified land-use changes, exotic plantations, soil erosion, illegal land grabbing, and burning of ericaceous belts as the major conservation challenges in the area. The severity level of conservation threats also varied significantly (χ 2 =243.519, df=6, P < 0.05). Overgrazing, firewood collection and land-use changes were the most serious biodiversity challenges. A unique topographic beauty, rich floras and faunas, recent global and regional recognitions, positive outlooks of the local people, and ecotourism development projects in the area were the main possible conservation opportunities. Conclusion Anthropogenic activities severely threatened Wenchi montane forests and wildlife therein. Potential conservation opportunities in the area, however, opens up the door for future conservation actions. Implications for conservation Wenchi highlands face severe conservation threats and need urgent conservation priorities and actions.
埃塞俄比亚中部温奇高原野生动物保护面临的挑战和机遇评估
背景与研究目的生物多样性丧失是近年来的全球性危机,主要是由于强烈的人为压力造成的。2020年底和2021年初,在温池高原开展了一项研究,探讨生物多样性保护的主要挑战和机遇。方法采用半结构化问卷调查、焦点小组讨论和直接观察等方法收集资料。根据可达性、天然林遗迹的存在以及与标志性的温池湖的接近程度,随机选择395名家庭农民进行问卷调查。结果各区自然资源利用类型(χ 2 =87.94, df=4, P <0.05),当地社区的态度在被调查者中存在差异(χ 2 =110.92, df=2, P <0.05)。大多数回答者将自然资源作为木柴(70.19%)和放牧(63.51%)的来源。大部分社区成员(56.47%)对生物多样性保护持积极态度。只有12.14%的人不了解生物多样性保护。该研究还指出,土地利用变化、外来种植、土壤侵蚀、非法征地和焚烧白垩带是该地区面临的主要保护挑战。保护威胁的严重程度也存在显著差异(χ 2 =243.519, df=6, P <0.05)。过度放牧、柴火采集和土地利用变化是最严重的生物多样性挑战。独特的地形美,丰富的动植物,最近的全球和地区认可,当地人民的积极前景,以及该地区的生态旅游发展项目是主要的可能的保护机会。结论人为活动严重威胁了温池山森林及其野生动物的生存。然而,该地区潜在的保护机会为未来的保护行动打开了大门。温池高原面临严重的保护威胁,迫切需要优先考虑和采取保护行动。
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来源期刊
Tropical Conservation Science
Tropical Conservation Science BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION-
CiteScore
3.60
自引率
5.90%
发文量
16
审稿时长
>12 weeks
期刊介绍: Tropical Conservation Science is a peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes original research papers and state-of-the-art reviews of broad interest to the field of conservation of tropical forests and of other tropical ecosystems.
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