An analysis of long-term trends in the abundance of domestic livestock and free-roaming dogs in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Livestock and free-roaming dogs in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, pose significant threats to the survival of the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) by degrading its habitat and transmitting diseases. A 21-year study revealed no significant change in livestock numbers in the Web valley, where grazing is seasonal but intense, while numbers have risen on the Sanetti plateau, with year-round grazing at lower intensity. Livestock use in the Web valley correlated positively with vegetation productivity, as measured by NDVI, suggesting a link between primary productivity and grazing patterns. However, no strong seasonality was observed on the Sanetti plateau. The study highlights the potential for livestock to degrade wolf habitat and increase disease risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable management strategies.

Vial, F., Sillero-Zubiri, C., Marino, J., Haydon, D. T., & Macdonald, D. W. (2010). An analysis of long-term trends in the abundance of domestic livestock and free-roaming dogs in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. African Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2010.01233.x