Diversity and Habitat of Medium and Large Mammals in Dhidhessa Sanctuary

Greg Howard
22nd March, 2025

Diversity and Habitat of Medium and Large Mammals in Dhidhessa Sanctuary

The Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary in southwestern Ethiopia encompasses four distinct habitat types across approximately 1300 km², providing the geographic and ecological context for assessing mammal diversity and habitat associations in this protected area.

Image adapted from: Tefera et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • In Ethiopia's Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary, researchers found 27 mammal species, mainly antelopes and predators
  • Riparian forests and savanna grasslands had the highest animal diversity, making them vital for wildlife protection
  • Endangered leopards were rarely seen, highlighting the need for focused conservation efforts
Understanding the variety of animal species and their preferred habitats is crucial for effective wildlife conservation. In regions like the Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS) in Southwestern Ethiopia, such insights help in formulating strategies to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. A recent study conducted by researchers from Jimma University, Ethiopia, and Feroze Gandhi Degree College, India[1], focused on assessing the diversity, abundance, and habitat preferences of medium and large-sized mammals in DWS. The research spanned from December 2022 to July 2023, covering both wet and dry seasons to capture seasonal variations in wildlife populations. The sanctuary was divided into four distinct habitat types: wooded grassland, riparian forest, seasonally flooded grassland, and savanna grassland. Data collection involved methods like line transect surveys, camera trapping, and recording both direct sightings and indirect evidence, such as tracks and droppings. The study identified 27 mammalian species within the sanctuary. The order Artiodactyla, which includes hoofed animals like antelopes and hippopotamuses, had the highest number of species (eleven), followed by Carnivora, which comprises predators like leopards and civets (nine species). Orders Rodentia and Tubulidentata were each represented by a single species. Notably, the Anubis Baboon (Papio anubis) was the most abundant, accounting for nearly a quarter of the sightings, while the endangered Leopard (Panthera pardus) and Civettictis civetta were among the least observed species. Riparian forests emerged as the most species-rich habitat, hosting over a third of the recorded animals. This finding aligns with previous research in the Loka Abaya National Park (LANP) in southern Ethiopia, which also highlighted the importance of riparian and wooded grassland habitats for mammal diversity[2]. Additionally, the savanna grassland exhibited the highest species diversity, indicating that areas with a mix of open spaces and vegetation support a broader range of species. This is consistent with studies from the Lebu Natural Protected Forest, which found that savanna and riverine habitats contribute significantly to mammalian diversity[3]. Seasonal changes had minimal impact on overall species richness and diversity, echoing findings from LANP where seasonal variations did not significantly alter mammal communities[2]. However, differences were noted in species abundance across habitats, suggesting that certain environments within the sanctuary provide more stable resources for wildlife throughout the year. The researchers employed statistical tools like the chi-square test and species diversity indexes to analyze the data. They found that savanna grasslands not only supported a higher number of species but also maintained better evenness in species distribution compared to riparian forests. Evenness refers to how similar the abundances of different species are within a community. Higher evenness in savanna grasslands indicates a more balanced ecosystem, which is beneficial for maintaining ecological stability. This comprehensive study builds on earlier research emphasizing the critical role of diverse habitats in conserving large mammal populations[4]. Large carnivores, such as leopards, play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling prey populations and preventing overgrazing. The low abundance of these predators in DWS highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure their survival and the overall health of the ecosystem. Furthermore, the findings resonate with the broader understanding of Ethiopia's rich biodiversity shaped by its varied topography and climate[5]. The country's diverse vegetation types, resulting from geographical contrasts and historical climatic changes, provide unique habitats that support a wide range of species. However, human-induced factors like habitat fragmentation and climate change pose significant threats to this biodiversity. The study underscores the importance of creating effective management plans that not only protect the sanctuary's wildlife but also consider the socio-economic needs of surrounding communities to ensure sustainable conservation. In conclusion, the study conducted in Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary provides valuable baseline data essential for developing informed conservation strategies. By highlighting the importance of specific habitats and identifying key species, the research offers insights that can guide future efforts to preserve Ethiopia's rich mammalian diversity. Collaborative efforts between researchers, conservationists, and local communities will be crucial in achieving these goals and ensuring the sanctuary remains a thriving habitat for its diverse wildlife.

WildlifeEcologyAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) The diversity and habitat association of medium and large mammals in the Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary, Southwestern Ethiopia

Published 21st March, 2025

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317441

Related Studies

2) Diversity of medium and large mammals in the Loka Abaya National Park, southern Ethiopia.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6649

3) A preliminary survey of medium and large-sized mammals from Lebu Natural Protected Forest, Southwest Showa, Ethiopia.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5733

4) Status and ecological effects of the world's largest carnivores.

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1241484

5) Ethiopian vegetation types, climate and topography.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2020.04.004


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