Population dynamics of Walia ibex (Capra walie) at Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

A population of 745 Walia ibexes (Capra walie) was estimated in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, using intensive direct counts in 2009. The study revealed significant variability in growth rates, with the population growing by 2.5% under ideal conditions and slightly declining by 0.13% under random environmental conditions. Growth rate metrics, including instantaneous growth rate (r = 2.6 ± 2.6) and per capita growth rate (λ = 0.03 ± 0.18), showed strong positive correlations, indicating resilience in population dynamics. Historical data and literature reviews were integrated with the 2009 counts to model these trends, providing insights into the species' vulnerability and conservation needs within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Alemayehu, K., Dessie, T., Gizaw, S., Haile, A., & Mekasha, Y. (2011). Population dynamics of Walia ibex (Capra walie) at Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. African Journal of Ecology, 49(3), 292–300. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2011.01264.x