Impact of livestock and settlement on the large mammalian wildlife of Bale Mountains National Park, southern Ethiopia

摘要: Large mammals, both wild and domestic, were censused in four study areas Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), southern Ethiopia, from April until August 1997, using established road counts, horse-back counts systematic transects, a new approach to censusing large mammals BMNP. Data collected since 1983 also examined indicate trends mammalian abundance. Civil unrest following the government changeover 1991 disrupted management of BMNP, leading an increase human settlement livestock densities. The effect these factors on BMNP's wildlife is assessed discussed. Most has declined but signs recovery for some species recent years are positive. fates two charismatic endemics emphasised. current population mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni, endangered antelope) was estimated be between 1100 1300. This lower than estimates late 1980s, shows very low levels recorded social turmoil during 1991. Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis, critically canid) positive abundance, severe declines 1989 1992 due rabies epizootics. Action reduce utilisation parts BMNP urgently required prevent further degradation environment safeguard future wolf.