Species Composition, Abundance, and Habitat Association of Medium- and Large-Sized Mammals in and Around Yegof National Forest Priority Area, Wollo, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Understanding the composition, abundance, and habitat associations of mammalian species is crucial for their effective conservation and habitat management. The study was aimed at filling the knowledge gaps regarding mammalian diversity and distribution in the Yegof National Forest Priority Area and its surrounding habitats. Accordingly, we assessed the species composition, abundance, and habitat association of mammals in the study area from July 2021 to April 2022. Based on plant physiognomy, the study area was categorized into five habitat types: natural forest, wooded grassland, plantation, bushland, and open grassland. A total of 13 mammalian species were recorded through line transect surveys. The order Primate was the most abundant taxonomic group accounting for 68.9% of the total mammals recorded. Among the recorded species, Papio anubis was the most numerous, accounting for 32.77% of the total, followed by Chlorocebus aethiops (19.95%) and Theropithecus gelada (16.15%). The abundance of mammals varied significantly across different habitats. During the dry and wet seasons, 57.7% and 42.3% were recorded, respectively. A statistically significant seasonal difference in abundance was observed. More than half (56%) of the species recorded were common to all five habitat types. The highest species similarity index (SI = 0.95) was observed between natural forest and wooded grassland. The study reveals considerable mammalian diversity in the study area, accompanied by notable variations in abundance across different habitats and seasons. However, the study area faces conservation challenges, including deforestation, illegal hunting, and human-wildlife conflict, which threaten population sustainability. Addressing these threats is essential to ensure the long-term survival of mammal species.