Assessment of conservation challenges in and around Gibe Sheleko National Park, southwestern Ethiopia

Kiros, Seyoum; Bekele, Afework

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01912

Cited by 5 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Land–use changes for agricultural production and human settlement are the main biodiversity threats in Wenchi highlands. This is in agreement with several reports in Ethiopia (Abune, 2000; Abrehe et al 2020; Kiros & Bekele, 2021) and elsewhere (Mamabolo et al 2020). The conversion of natural habitats for agricultural expansion is one of the most significant land-use changes in the world (Frick et al 2019), and is primarily associated with higher crop productivity of these areas than farmlands (Kiros & Bekele, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

“…Human–wildlife conflict was not such a major problem in the present study. This finding is against several reports from different parts of Ethiopia (Megaze et al 2017; Kiros & Bekele, 2021), where human-wildlife conflict is a serious problem. The most likely reason for this might be the availability of a limited number of crop raiders.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 90%

“…This result agrees with the finding of Horncastle et al (2019). However, it was for pasture management, to discourage hazardous wild animals, to create human or livestock pathways, to reduce tsetse fly infestations and for wild honey collection in Gibe Sheleko National Park (Kiros & Bekele, 2021). Soil erosion associated with forest clearings, farming of uplands and infrastructural developments in the area has posed a serious existential threat to the forests and their biodiversity through fragmentation.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…Local people in Wenchi highlands acquire different natural resources from the forest remnants either as recreation and enjoyment, income source, grazing area, source of construction materials or fuelwood. Countless forms of natural resource utilizations by the local community even from PAs is widely documented in different parts of Ethiopia (Yihune et al 2009; Petros et al 2016; Wale et al 2017; Alemkere, 2018; Biset et al 2019; Kiros & Bekele, 2021). Nonetheless, the unwise use of natural resources and other anthropogenic activities are responsible for a global biodiversity crisis (Frick et al 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is because the majority of the rural communities do not obtain electricity, and rely on fuelwood as sources of energy. Poor people also have no alternative income sources and use firewood and charcoal production as the best means of revenue generation (Legese et al 2019; Kiros & Bekele, 2021). The proximity of urban areas to forested areas has also increased the intensity of forest destruction by fuelwood collection.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Legese,

Bekele

2023

Tropical Conservation Science

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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 (χ2=87.94, df=4, P < 0.05) and the attitudes of the local community varied among the respondents (χ2=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 (χ2=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.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Legese,

Bekele

2023

Tropical Conservation Science

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Assessment of spatiotemporal dynamics of land and vegetation cover change detection in Maze National Park, Southwest Ethiopia

Zewude

Govindu

Shibru

et al. 2022

Environ Monit Assess

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Farmer’s perspectives of rodent pests’ damage and management practices in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia

Legese

Bekele

2022

Preprint

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A study was conducted to obtain information about the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of farmers in Wenchi highlands on rodent damage and their management practices. Farmers (n=395) from four highland villages of Wenchi District were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Rodents were identified as major pests, and perceived negatively among farmers. There were significant variations in the type of damage (χ2=112.698, df= 3, p < 0.05) and crop types susceptibility to rodent pest attack (χ2= 143.26, df = 3, P < 0.05). Crop damage (38.7%) and damage to human properties (27.9%) were the two dominant rodent related problems in the area. Barley was the most susceptible crop to rodent attack (57.5%). The occurrence of frequency of rodent pests and crop damage between the cropping stages also varied significantly. Most damage on barley crop (42.5%) occurred during the maturation stage. Farmers assessed and detected rodents damage by observing damaged seeds, damaged stores and rodent droppings in the storage, and stem cut of standing crops in the crop fields. None of the farmers have employed any management strategy in barley crop fields stating that this is practically impossible. In storage, farmers mainly use cats (53.73%) and trapping (22.64%) to control rodents. Detailed off-field rodent damage assessment, and community education for rodent management are recommended.

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Assessment of conservation challenges in and around Gibe Sheleko National Park, southwestern Ethiopia

Cited by 5 publications

References 9 publications

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

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

Assessment of spatiotemporal dynamics of land and vegetation cover change detection in Maze National Park, Southwest Ethiopia

Farmer’s perspectives of rodent pests’ damage and management practices in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia

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