Population Status and Diet of Starck’s Hare (Lepus starcki Petter, 1963) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.
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Date
2007-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The population status and diet of Starck’s hare Lepus starcki Petter, 1963 was
investigated in the Bale Mountains National Park from June-September (wet season) and
December-January (dry season) in 2006/2007. A survey of population status was
undertaken using distance sampling method. The density of Starck’s hare was estimated
to be 18.35 per km2 during the wet season (with 95% confidence interval 12.47-26.99).
The estimated density during the dry season was 13.33 per km2 (95% CI 9.17-19.39). The
population in the study area was estimated to be 6300 during the wet season (95% CI
4300-9200) and 4600 during the dry season (95% CI 3100-6600). More hares were
detected from Sanetti Plateau and the least was from Web Valley (Kotera). Line intercept
method was used to estimate the coverage of vegetation in the study area. Vegetation
coverage was high (65.21%) during the wet season and low (<30%) during the dry
season. 27 plant species were identified (21 herbs, 4 grasses and 2 shrubs). Diet was
identified by direct observation and analyzing faecal pellets and stomach contents.
Monocotyledons (grasses) occurred in higher percentage frequency in the diet of Starck’s
hare during both seasons. Among the grasses, Festuca spp. was the most available and
important food resources during both seasons.
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Biology