Researcher at field work during data collection

It has been agreed that biodiversity is the base for essential environmental services upon which life on Earth depends and improve human well-being. However, human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) are predicted to increase globally and pose a challenge for conservation managers. HWC occurs in several different contexts and spans a range of animal taxonomic groups and countries. Currently, HWC is a global issue that has adverse consequences for both humans and wildlife. Menelik’s bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki) is endemic subspecies considered as a montane form of spiral horned antelope of Africa occupied limited and disjunct range in mountainous forest and has not been the subject of research studies in Ethiopia. As a result, little is known about the habitat requirements, conservation status, behavior and ecology of this elusive ungulate. Anthropogenic impacts on this species and livelihood problems facing the locals have not yet been discovered.

We aim to provide data on the distribution, population size of Menelik’s bushbuck and livelihood problems of local people at Wof- Washa Natural State Forest, Ethiopia. The population size and distribution of Menelik’s bushbuck in WWNSF will be determined using pellet count techniques. To assess the resource use pattern of the animal in relation to habitat quality, vegetation surveys will be carried out in quadrats of line transects using Modified-Whittaker sampling plots. The plot will contain non-overlapping varied sized sub-plots, all nested within the 1000m2 plot. In order to assess the threats of conservation to Menelik’s bush buck and human-wildlife conflict, questionnaire interviews will be administered to 250 households in localities around the study area. The project aspires to contribute to the involvement of the local community, natural resource experts, district and county officials to ensure the long-term conservation action plan of the wildlife population based on sound ecological and socio-economic knowledge.