Habitat preference of the endangered Ethiopian walia ibex (Capra walie) in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Research reveals that the endangered Ethiopian walia ibex (Capra walie) exhibits a strong preference for rocky and shrubby habitats over herbaceous ones within Simien National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted from 2009 to 2011, analyzed pellet distribution and habitat characteristics during wet and dry seasons, finding minimal overlap between walia ibex and livestock presence (70% of quadrats with walia pellets lacked livestock droppings). A predictive spatial model identified key factors influencing ibex habitat use: herb cover, shrub cover, distance to cliff, road proximity, and altitude. Notably, walia ibex populations have shifted toward steeper eastern areas, likely due to increased human activity in lowland regions. This research underscores the challenges of balancing conservation efforts for endangered species with growing human encroachment.

Ejigu, D., Bekele, A., Powell, L., Lernould, J.-M.,. (2015). Habitat preference of the endangered Ethiopian walia ibex (Capra walie) in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 38(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2015.38.0001