Bekele Afework (PhD)Mekonnen, Tariku2018-07-112023-11-082018-07-112023-11-082007-04http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7998The 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.enBiologyThesis