Impact of conservation management on land change: a case study in Guassa Community Conservation Area for the last 31 years (1986–2015)

Nigussie, Girma; Fekadu, Mekbib; Demissew, Sebsebe; Warkineh, Bikila

doi:10.1007/s40808-019-00650-7

Cited by 6 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…GCCA (Figures 2 and 3 ) covers 78 km 2 (Steger et al, 2020 ), yet the total land area sums up to 111 km 2 if the adjoining villages and other land use types are included (Ashenafi & Leader‐Williams, 2005 ; Nigussie et al, 2019 ). This area shows critically important habitat features for many wildlife species (Steger et al, 2020 ) and comprises both the Ericaceous belt (3000–3200 m a.s.l) and the Afroalpine belt (above 3200 m a.s.l) (Friis et al, 2010 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This study selected herb species richness over total species richness (Sprich) in both study area. Herbaceous and shrubby vegetation were dominant in GCCA (> 80% ground vegetation cover) (Nigussie et al, 2019 ). b Hunting was not considered as a threat for this species (See Discussion ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… b Hunting was not considered as a threat for this species (See Discussion ). c Human disturbance factors: grazing, mowing and farming are the major factors in the study sites (Ashenafi et al, 2012 ; Nigussie et al, 2019 ; Steger et al, 2020 ). Festuca abyssinica grass (Guassa) intriguingly is valued for fodder for livestock (cut and carrying system and livestock grazing), thatching, wall building mix with mud, and help to make whip, rope, hat, broom (mure) and raincoats (gesa).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Camera traps for this elu- In many tropical African countries, the protected areas are called "paper parks"-existing in name only as they poorly counter habitat and species loss (Dudley & Stolton, 1999). However, GCCA as a traditionally protected area is exceptional in this case as the indigenous knowledge for conservation of natural resources, the Qero system, has supported several wildlife species for almost four centuries (Ashenafi & Leader-Williams, 2005;Nigussie et al, 2019). Occupancy and detection probability estimates of Moorland Francolins were higher in traditionally protected areas than in unprotected areas, suggesting the persistent and high conservation effort supporting the Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) by the local community in association with international organizations signifies the integrity and functionality of the whole community.…”

Section: Occupancy and Detection Probability Estimates Using Camera Trapmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Local low temperatures and high ground vegetation cover (Nigussie et al, 2019;Steger et al, 2020) may lead the species to use the roadsides and trails: (1) to enhance foraging opportunities;…”

Section: Determinants Of Occupancy and Detection Probabilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupancy of the Ethiopian endemic Moorland Francolin in pristine and degraded Afroalpine biome using a camera trap approach

Abrha,

Gedeon,

Podsiadlowski

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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Occupancy modeling is an essential tool for understanding species‐habitat associations, thereby helping to plan the conservation of rare and threatened wildlife species. The conservation status and ecology of several avian species, particularly ground‐dwelling birds, are poorly known in Ethiopia. We used camera trap‐based occupancy modeling to investigate habitat covariate influence on occupancy (Ψ) and detection probability (ρ) estimates of Moorland Francolins Scleroptila psilolaema from spatially replicated surveys across both relatively pristine and disturbed landscapes in the Afroalpine biome of Ethiopia. Model‐averaged estimate of across all sites was 0.76 (SD = 0.28) and was 0.77 (SD = 0.13) in the pristine landscape. The of the species in the disturbed landscape was 0.56 (SD = 0.19) and was 0.48 (SD = 0.06). As hypothesized, based on our model‐averaged beta coefficient estimates (βmean ± SE), predators significantly negatively influenced the occupancy of Moorland Francolins in pristine habitat. We also found a significant positive association of occupancy with herb species richness. Contrary to our prediction, distance to road significantly negatively influence the occupancy of the species, suggesting that occupancy probability was highest in proximity to roadsides and trails in the pristine habitat. There was no significant influence of habitat covariates on the occupancy of the species in the disturbed habitat. The most important covariates that significantly influence the detectability of the species in pristine habitat included sampling occasion and precipitation. The greater occupancy and detectability of this endemic species in the pristine habitat could be linked with the particular conservation status and management of this biodiversity hotspot in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Our results suggest that strict legal enforcement is required to sustainably preserve Moorland Francolins and the ecological integrity of the entire Afroalpine biome. We recommend using camera traps in order to develop realistic and effective conservation and management strategies for rare, sensitive, cryptic, and ground‐dwelling animals in the region.

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