Population Estimate, Diurnal Time Budget and Conservation Challenges of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus Grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in Hallaydeghe Asebot Proposed National Park, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) is endangerd species and one of the world's most threatened wild equids. The current study investigated the population, seasonal home range, diurnal activity time budget and conservation challenges of Grevy’s zebra in Hallaydeghe Asebot Proposed National Park (HAPNP). Data on population estimate, structure and home ranges were gathered during wet (July to September) and dry (January to March) seasons for two years (2021 and 2021) using line transects and ground tracking following minimum convex polygon method. Silent detection methods were applied to minimize disturbance. Diurnal activity data were collected through scan sampling method. Data related to land cover change were collected from Landsat data of 1990, 2006 and 2021. In addition, ground control points and information about the area were gathered from elders and key informants. Data related to conservation challenges, community attitude towards conservation practices were collected using household survey, key informant interview, field observation; focus group discussion and secondary document review. Population data were analyzed using distance software and seasonal home range data were analysed using QGIS 3.44. Diurnal activity time budget data were analysed through SPSS version 26 and across several groups, the mean percentage of time spent on behaviour was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Land use land cover data were analysed using ArcGIS 10.8 and QGIS 3.26.3. Conservation challenge and community attitude data were analysed using SPSS Version 26. A total of 89 and 61 individuals of Grevy’s zebra were counted during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The seasonal home range of Grevy’s zebra in HAPNP was 477 km2 (n=89) during the wet and 711 km2 (n=61) during the dry season. Grazing (31.26%) was the highest activity followed by resting (30.24%) during the wet season. Similarly, grazing (37.13%) was the highest activity followed by moving (27.25%) during the dry season. Land use land cover findings revealed 12.21% of grassland cover lost from 1990 to 2021. On the other hand, bushland increased by 26.45% during the same year. The top conservation challenges of Grevy’s zebra were habitat degradation; un-integrated development and poor law enforcement. The study result revealed positive attitude and participation of local community depending on the benefit derived from the protected area. More study is required on the possible ways of making the Blen hot spring and the wetlands around it part of the protected area. In addition, action is required to address identified conservation issues and restore grasslands in order to maintain the Grevy's zebra population in HAPNP by developing an adaptive strategy that takes community inclusivity in benefit sharing.
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Keywords
Attitude, Conservation Challenges, Diurnal Activity, Grevy’s Zebra, Land Cover Change, Seasonal Home Range