Umer, Mohammed (PhD)Abdissa, Getu2018-07-052023-11-092018-07-052023-11-092010-06http://10.90.10.223:4000/handle/123456789/6600Human population growth is fragmenting pristine ecosystems and impacting biological diversity worldwide. Like many National Parks forest fragmentation and degradation due to agricultural expansion are the greatest threats to biodiversity in BMNP. However, despite the presence of fragmentation, there are still opportunities for conserving the remaining ecosystem blocks (Patches) with information on the viable and fragmented Patches. Thus, the objective of this research is to suggest a ranking of ecosystem patches according to their degree of viability (i.e. their capability to preserve its integrity and host its original biodiversity). This study used Pearson correlation coupled with PCA for objective selection of representative metrics among 109 and 72 at Class and patch level, respectively. Pearson correlation (|r|>0.95) reduced 56% of the class and 14% Patch metrics. Then PCA identified 6 and 7 components explaining 96% and 94% of the variance in class and patch metrics, respectively. Accordingly, patch elongation, patch size, core area, contiguity, proximity and Euclidean Nearest Neighbor were selected the 7 PCA components for ecosystem viability assessment. Weighted sum equations combining representative metrics using percent of variance explained by each axes of the PCA gave fragmentation Index and ecosystem viability map ranking classes and patches as high, moderate and low, respectively. This systematic approach of creating a fragmentation index and ecosystem viability assessment is not only a useful method that can be replicated in other regions, but the information provided in the form of maps can also be valuable guide to ecologists, natural resource managers, and planners to orient land use planning for optimal allocation of land resources. Keywords: Ecosystem fragmentation, Ecosystem Viability, PCA, Bale Mountains National Park.enEcosystem fragmentationEcosystem ViabilityPCABale Mountains National ParkThesis