Diversity, relative abundance and distribution of medium and large
mammals in Mago National Park, Southern Ethiopia
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate diversity, relative
abundance, and distribution of medium and large mammals in Mago National
Park (MNP), Southern Ethiopia. Data collection was conducted during dry
and wet seasons. A systematic sampling design was used to establish line
transects along the three main habitat types, namely: Woodland, Acacia
savanna, and Riverine forest. A total of 45 line transects were
established through the habitats, varing in length from 1.5 to 5 km,
depending on the size of the habitat. Twenty-eight medium and large
mammals species were recorded in the area belonging to 8 families and 5
orders. Order Artiodactyla had the highest number of species (14
species), followed by Carnivora (8 species), whereas Perissodactyla and
Proboscidea were represented by one species each. During both seasons,
the highest species diversity (H’ = 2.81, and H’=2.96) was recorded in
woodland habitat, but the lowest ( H’ =2.5 and H’= 2.67) in riverine
forest. In terms of abundance, Tragelaphus imberbis 1773±86 (12%) was
the most abundant species, while Vulpes chama was the least abundant
species 104 ±13 that contributed less than 1% of the total. Most of the
mammals species occurred in woodland habitat as compared to the other
habitat types. Seasonal variation in abundance (number) of individuals
of medium and large mammals was significantly different (X2 = 91.651, df
=1, p<0.05). However, variation in species composition was not
significant (X2 = 0.018, df = 1, P<0.05). It can be concluded
that, Mago National Park harbour high species diversity of medium and
large mammals. Conservation efoforts that could suatain the high
diversity pf the species in the area in needed to main the diversity.