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http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2191
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| Title: | AN INVESTIGATION OF AMPHIBIAN DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN HARENNA FOREST, BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, ETHIOPIA |
| Authors: | Roman, Kassahun |
| Advisors: | Professor Samy A.Saber,
Dr. Simon Loader, |
| Keywords: | Amphibian
Harenna Forest,
Diversity
Abundance
Environmental change |
| Copyright: | Jul-2009 |
| Date Added: | 3-May-2012 |
| Abstract: | Abstract
Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to environmental change in
Harenna Forest, BMNP was assessed using four complementary methods:
amphibian sampling, GIS and Remote sensing, measuring and analysis of
Developmental Instability (DI) in frogs and conducting focus group discussions.
Sampling of amphibian communities was conducted during July-August 2008
and February 2009; which includes wet and dry seasons in the area. Systematic
sampling survey, Random search, VES and AES methods were used to
determine the current abundance, distribution and diversity of the amphibians.
Data on diversity, evenness and dominance was analyzed using Shannon-
Weaver’s (H) index and Simpson’s diversity index (D).
The total number of individuals encountered in both seasons equals 159.
Number of amphibians as determined from the total count was 54 and 105
individuals during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Seven endemic
amphibian species which belong to one order, 4 families and 6 genera were
recorded.
The current number and species of amphibians was compared with the past
investigation of amphibians in the Harenna Forest known as the 1986 Harenna
Forest expedition. The results show a decrease in abundance and diversity of
amphibians over the past 20 years given the intensive sampling in the present
investigation.
GIS and Remote sensing methods using satellite images of the Harenna Forest
were used to quantitatively analyze land use/land cover changes from 1973 to
2000. The results show a significant reduction in the forest cover and wetlands
followed by the establishment of new land use types such as agricultural land
and settlement in 2000.
Measurement and analysis of DI in frogs revealed that the frogs collected in the
present investigation show anti symmetry in the left and right differences, which
is an indication of unhealthy environment or that frogs are at risk of declining.
x i
Focus group discussions were conducted with the local people living in Harenna
Forest to qualitatively assess their awareness about environmental change and
its influence on their daily life. It is manifested that local people are aware of
change in their environment. Findings from the four methodological approaches
revealed the number of amphibians have declined over the past 20 years. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2191 |
| Appears in: | Thesis - Environmental Sciences
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