Publications
Perception of local communities on protected areas: lessons drawn from the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Local communities' perceptions of protected areas, particularly the Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia, reveal that top-down management approaches hinder sustainability and community engagement. The study highlights the need for improved communication, short-term economic benefits, and the establishment of multistakeholder platforms to foster dialogue and co-production of knowledge. These measures are crucial for addressing unhealthy relationships between communities and protected areas, which can be mitigated through continuous meetings, awareness-raising campaigns, and integrating income-generating activities. The research used household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data, emphasizing the importance of understanding complex human-environment interactions to tailor effective management strategies.
Humans-livestock predators conflict in the Central and Eastern Part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A significant human-livestock predator conflict is evident in the Central and Eastern part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Over the past decade, 3,320 livestock were predated, costing households approximately $347,460.53, which constitutes 27.45% of their monthly income. Major predators include spotted hyenas, olive baboons, and Ethiopian wolves, with sheep and cattle being the primary targets. The study attributes this conflict to human settlement, agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation for charcoal production, and deliberate fires. Mitigation efforts are suggested to focus on securing livestock enclosures, providing regular compensation, and raising awareness about the importance of protected areas.
The Effects of Landscape Change on Plant Diversity and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
Human-induced landscape changes significantly impact plant diversity and structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study found that increased patch number positively correlates with species richness, diversity, and basal area (p < 0.05), while larger mean patch size negatively affects these metrics (p < 0.05). Edge habitats exhibit higher species richness and diversity compared to interior areas, though the latter shows greater woody plant basal area. Despite its ecological importance, the park faces threats from human settlements, overgrazing, and fire, which are reducing its biodiversity and ecosystem services. The research suggests that integrated environmental management strategies are crucial to mitigate these impacts.
An exploratory study of ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia: using an ECOSERV model
A revised ECOSERV model, tailored for ecotourism contexts, identifies that the current ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, falls short of visitor expectations. This study, based on surveys of 293 international visitors, revealed a significant service gap, indicating negative disconfirmation and highlighting the need for park management to address these deficiencies to enhance visitor satisfaction and competitiveness. The model, comprising seven ESQ dimensions and 28 attributes, provides a framework for improving ecotourism experiences in protected areas.
Attitudes and perceptions of the local people towards benefits and conflicts they get from conservation of the Bale Mountains National Park and Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), Ethiopia
Local communities near Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, show mixed attitudes towards conservation, with 55% experiencing conflicts and 26% benefiting. Key benefits include leasing horses to tourists (62%) and guiding (44%), while major conflicts involve fear of relocation (84%) and livestock grazing restrictions (74%). Despite these challenges, 80% support the park's conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered mountain nyala. Benefit distribution was perceived as inequitable (83%), and attitudes varied by livelihood strategy but not proximity or settlement duration. The study suggests potential for enhanced cooperation to improve conservation outcomes.
Effectiveness and cost efficiency of monitoring mountain nyala in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A cost-effective monitoring protocol for the endangered mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, offers significant financial savings without compromising effectiveness. The study found that total counts, despite underestimating population size, were more precise and required only 12% of the resources needed compared to distance sampling. This method also demonstrated greater power to detect changes in population size, making it a viable alternative for long-term conservation efforts in resource-limited protected areas like BMNP. The research highlights the importance of evaluating cost efficiency alongside effectiveness when selecting monitoring protocols.
Floristic composition and structure of the dry Afromontane forest at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Excessive cutting of ecologically, economically, and medically important tree species has been identified as a significant threat to the Dry Afromontane Forest in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between July 2003 and June 2004 across three sites (Adelle, Boditi, and Gaysay) at altitudes ranging from 3010 to 3410 meters, documented 230 species belonging to 58 families. Analysis revealed five homogeneous vegetation clusters, with tree densities of 766 and 458 individuals per hectare in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. Juniperus procera and Hagenia abyssinica contributed significantly to the basal area, accounting for 43% and 57%, respectively. The study highlighted that both Adelle and Boditi forests are at an early secondary stage of development, with clear evidence of selective logging impacting population structures.
An analysis of long-term trends in the abundance of domestic livestock and free-roaming dogs in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Livestock and free-roaming dogs in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, pose significant threats to the survival of the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) by degrading its habitat and transmitting diseases. A 21-year study revealed no significant change in livestock numbers in the Web valley, where grazing is seasonal but intense, while numbers have risen on the Sanetti plateau, with year-round grazing at lower intensity. Livestock use in the Web valley correlated positively with vegetation productivity, as measured by NDVI, suggesting a link between primary productivity and grazing patterns. However, no strong seasonality was observed on the Sanetti plateau. The study highlights the potential for livestock to degrade wolf habitat and increase disease risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable management strategies.
Demography and dynamics of mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A significant decline of 45% in the mountain nyala population (Tragelaphus buxtoni) was observed in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, between 2003 and 2005, with an annual decrease of 2%-5%. The study attributed this reduction to anthropogenic factors such as competition with livestock for forage, habitat encroachment, and poaching. Population density varied significantly between sub-populations (Dinsho Sanctuary and Gaysay/Adelay), with the Dinsho group being isolated, potentially limiting their access to mates and suitable habitats. The population size was estimated at 830-908 individuals, despite an increase in mean density due to habitat contraction. Demographic parameters remained stable over three years, suggesting that the decline was not due to random variations but likely driven by human activities.
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