Publications
Integrating geo-spatial analysis and gray relational approach for wildfire susceptibility mapping in Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia
In Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, shrubland and grassland are identified as the most vulnerable vegetation types to wildfires, with land cover being the primary driver. A study integrating geo-spatial analysis and gray relational analysis (GRA) revealed that vegetation type, elevation, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) are the key factors influencing wildfire susceptibility, accounting for 20.8%, 18.2%, and 16.1% respectively. The research found that most fire hotspots occur in higher elevations with steep slopes, while fire intensity diminishes with distance from highways and human settlements. Approximately 936.61 km² (39.77%) of the park has low vulnerability, 1411.37 km² (59.93%) moderate, and only 7.02 km² (0.3%) high susceptibility to wildfires. The study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive fire management strategy to protect the park's ecology from uncontrolled fires.
Population Size of Pest Wildlife and Their Co-existence with Local Communities Adjacent to Bale Mountain National Park
A significant seasonal variation in pest wildlife population densities was observed in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, with 206 species recorded during the wet season and 117 during the dry season. Crop raiding by Olive Baboon, Warthog, and Mountain Nyala emerged as the primary human-wildlife conflict (HWC) issue, affecting over 80% of local respondents economically. The study employed a multi-method approach, integrating GIS mapping, transect sampling, and household surveys across both seasons, with data analysis using SPSS, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA. While no significant association was found between sex, age, and habitat (χ² = 13.74, p = 0.089), the research highlighted the urgent need for integrated management strategies, including buffer zones, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and community-based conservation efforts to foster sustainable coexistence.
Community Participation for Sustainable Park Management: In Case of Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia
A strong negative relationship exists between financial constraints and sustainable park management in Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia, indicating that budget limitations significantly hinder conservation efforts. The study also highlights moderate negative correlations with poor stakeholder collaboration, lack of government support, and inadequate awareness, all of which collectively undermine effective park management. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining surveys of 328 households with interviews of key informants—the research identifies critical barriers to sustainability, including financial restrictions, weak institutional coordination, and insufficient public engagement. Recommendations emphasize the need for increased community participation, targeted awareness campaigns, improved stakeholder collaboration, and stronger government support to foster sustainable resource management in the park.
Community-based Ecotourism in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons Learnt
Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in Ethiopia possesses significant potential for community-based ecotourism (CBET), driven by its rich cultural heritage, endangered wildlife, and scenic attractions like Fincanbera tourism sites and Bodity Mountain. However, the park faces substantial challenges, including low local participation, inadequate infrastructure, limited stakeholder engagement, and unsustainable resource use. Despite these obstacles, the study highlights that CBET could be a viable model for sustainable development, particularly in developing countries where demand for nature-based tourism is growing. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and observations to gather data from participants selected via snowball sampling. These findings offer valuable lessons for European countries seeking to adapt grassroots, bottom-up CBET models to their own contexts.
Floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of trees as affected by agro-climatic variation in the Bale mountains national park, South-eastern Ethiopia
The sub-moist mid highland zone of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) supports significantly higher tree species richness, diameter at breast height (DBH), and density of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees compared to cooler or afro-alpine zones. This zone also exhibits greater basal area and stem density, indicating a more ecologically diverse and resilient community. The study, conducted across 144 sampling plots spanning three altitudinal gradients, used one-way ANOVA to compare floristic composition and structure among agro-climatic zones. Findings highlight the sub-moist mid highland as a critical area for biodiversity conservation, while the cold humid afro-alpine zone requires urgent ecological management due to its fragility. Human-induced factors are identified as key drivers of habitat degradation in this globally significant biodiversity hotspot.
Modeling land use and land cover dynamics of Bale Mountains National Park using Google Earth Engine and cellular automata–artificial neural network (CA-ANN) model
A significant increase in woodland and shrub areas, coupled with a decline in Erica forest and grassland, has been observed in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) from 1993 to 2023. Projections indicate that this trend will continue until 2053, with woodland and shrubs expanding by approximately 16% each, while cultivated land, Erica forest, grassland, and herbaceous plants are expected to decrease by up to 28%. The study utilized multi-date Landsat imagery and advanced modeling techniques, including Random Forest classification and Cellular Automata Artificial Neural Networks (CA-ANN), within the Google Earth Engine platform. Key drivers of these changes include proximity to roads and urban areas, rising temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns. The findings highlight the complex interplay between environmental factors and human activities in shaping land cover dynamics, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management practices and enhanced habitat protection efforts.
GIS and remote sensing-based wildlife habitat suitability analysis for Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A study analyzing habitat suitability for the endangered Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Ethiopia's Bale Mountains National Park reveals that 60% of the park's land area is suitable for the species, with highly and moderately suitable habitats concentrated in the northern region, western border, and Harrena forest. The research used GIS and remote sensing techniques, including Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data and Landsat 9 imagery, combined with environmental factors like vegetation, soil types, topography, climate, and proximity to human settlements. By applying Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) with pair-wise comparison methods, the study identified five suitability classes, providing critical insights for conservation efforts and park management decisions. The findings highlight the importance of targeted protection strategies in these key habitats to ensure the survival of this vulnerable species.
Helminth Parasite Prevalence in the Endangered Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) in Web Valley, Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A comprehensive study on the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), Africa's most endangered carnivore, reveals a high prevalence of helminth parasites in the Bale Mountains National Park. The research found that 98% of fecal samples from 43 wolves contained eggs from multiple parasite species, with Capillaria spp. and Trichuris vulpis being the most common. Notably, concurrent infections involving up to seven parasite species were observed, with a significant association between female wolves and higher infection levels. The study highlights the severe contamination of the environment by intestinal parasites, emphasizing the urgent need for regular control measures, public education, and further epidemiological research in both Ethiopian wolves and domestic dogs within the park.
Investigated the role of community based approaches for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia
A significant disparity exists between community-based and non-community-based associations regarding perceived benefits from Bale Mountains National Park, with the former showing more substantial advantages (χ² = 92.071, df = 1, P < 0.05). Despite variations in local perceptions of park conservation, communities actively contribute by mitigating fire outbreaks and reporting wildlife attacks. Internal factors outweigh external ones in shaping the effectiveness of community-based conservation approaches, underscoring their critical role in successful biodiversity preservation. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, analyzing both primary and secondary data to assess the impact of these strategies on socio-economic development and conservation outcomes.
Long-Term Volumetric Change Estimation of Red Ash Quarry Sites in the Afro-Alpine Ecosystem of Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia
Between 1967 and 2023, red ash quarrying in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, resulted in a significant loss of surface volume, totaling 503,721 ± 27,970 m³ and 368,523 ± 30,003 m³ at two sites. This study quantified long-term volumetric changes using historical aerial photographs, Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry, and digital elevation models (DEMs). The research found that excavation rates increased substantially from 1984 to 2023 compared to the earlier period (1967–1984), with excavated areas expanding by 53,147 m² and 45,297 m². Additionally, gravel road construction led to habitat loss, reducing Afro-Alpine vegetation, ericaceous vegetation, and Afromontane forest by 476,860 m², 403,806 m², and 493,222 m² respectively. These changes threaten the park's endemic species, such as Lobelia rhynchopetalum, and highlight the urgent need for conservation to prevent further degradation of this critical Afro-Alpine ecosystem.
New faunistic and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) from Ethiopia: results of the Joint Russian-Ethiopian Biological Expedition in Bale Mountains National Park (2023)
A recent study conducted in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, has uncovered significant new data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida). Researchers identified 71 species belonging to 44 genera and 29 families, with nine species, three genera, and two families being recorded in Ethiopia for the first time. Notably, two new species—Brachioppiella (Brachioppiella) sanettiensis Ermilov n. sp. and Drymobatoides harennaensis Ermilov n. sp.—were described. This research expands our understanding of the region's mite diversity and contributes to the broader knowledge of oribatid mites in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of international collaborations like the Joint Russian-Ethiopian Biological Expedition.
One size fits all: How the “Ethiopian Highlands” made Bale Mountains National Park inscrutable
A simplistic understanding of Bale Mountains National Park, driven by the conflation of landscapes and peoples under the 'Ethiopian Highlands' category, has perpetuated degraded wilderness narratives, overlooked significant geologic and sociocultural differences, and hindered effective conservation. The study traces how imperial legacies, processes of knowledge production, and biophysical properties have maintained a partial vision of the region, leading to conflict, resentment, and poorer conservation outcomes. Researchers analyzed bibliometric data, historical sources, and scientific literature to uncover how a small group of foreign experts reified these misconceptions.
Perception of local communities on protected areas: lessons drawn from the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Local communities' perceptions of protected areas, particularly the Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia, reveal that top-down management approaches hinder sustainability and community engagement. The study highlights the need for improved communication, short-term economic benefits, and the establishment of multistakeholder platforms to foster dialogue and co-production of knowledge. These measures are crucial for addressing unhealthy relationships between communities and protected areas, which can be mitigated through continuous meetings, awareness-raising campaigns, and integrating income-generating activities. The research used household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data, emphasizing the importance of understanding complex human-environment interactions to tailor effective management strategies.
Tourism Marketing & Economic Sustainability of Tourist Destinations: Perspectives of Bale Mountains National Park
Tourism marketing significantly enhances the economic sustainability of Bale Mountains National Park, with price, place, and promotion showing strong correlations while product has a moderate relationship. A mixed-methods study involving 143 participants—employees of the national park and small to medium-sized enterprises—revealed that these marketing elements collectively contribute to long-term resilience and economic growth for tourist destinations. Regression analysis further confirmed their substantial impact, suggesting that strategic tourism marketing can serve as a key enabler for sustainability in protected areas.
Effects of habitat gradient and agro-climatic variation on selected soil physical and chemical properties in the Bale Mountains national park, south-eastern Ethiopia
Soil properties in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, vary significantly with agro-climatic zones, land cover types, and habitat gradients. Research shows that lower-altitude areas with natural vegetation and interior habitats exhibit higher soil pH, organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and clay content. Conversely, farmland and edge habitats display increased sand and silt content, as well as higher bulk density. These findings underscore the critical need for conservation efforts targeting highly human-impacted ecosystems, such as grasslands in middle altitudes, ericaceous lands in higher altitudes, and moist forests in lower altitudes. The study employed stratified and systematic sampling techniques to analyze 72 soil samples across three agro-climatic zones, three land cover types, two habitat gradients, and four replications, using statistical methods including ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test.
Humans-livestock predators conflict in the Central and Eastern Part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A significant human-livestock predator conflict is evident in the Central and Eastern part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Over the past decade, 3,320 livestock were predated, costing households approximately $347,460.53, which constitutes 27.45% of their monthly income. Major predators include spotted hyenas, olive baboons, and Ethiopian wolves, with sheep and cattle being the primary targets. The study attributes this conflict to human settlement, agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation for charcoal production, and deliberate fires. Mitigation efforts are suggested to focus on securing livestock enclosures, providing regular compensation, and raising awareness about the importance of protected areas.
The Influence of Topographic Aspect on Biomass and Soil Carbon Stock in Case of Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia
A significant difference in soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N) was observed between the northern and southern aspects of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The northern aspect exhibited higher SOC (13.12 kg/m² vs. 10.04 kg/m²) and lower N (0.7005% vs. 0.8109%), contributing to a greater total carbon stock (11.4607 vs. 11.0116). Additionally, the average diameter of Erica plant species varied significantly between aspects. Conducted using simple random sampling in 2016–2017, this study highlights the influence of topographic aspect on biomass and carbon storage, emphasizing the need for urgent conservation measures to address land-use pressures and biodiversity threats in this globally significant site.
Class and landscape level habitat fragmentation analysis in the Bale mountains national park, southeastern Ethiopia
A significant decline in natural habitats within the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, has been documented over three decades, with grasslands experiencing the most substantial reduction (9.36%) and farmland expanding by 43.67%. This study, using Landsat imagery and FRAGSTATS analysis, reveals a progressively fragmented landscape, characterized by increased patch numbers, edge density, and reduced mean patch size and core area. The findings indicate a critical loss of habitat for core-dependent species such as the Mountain nyala, Ethiopian wolf, and Bale monkey, underscoring the urgent need for conservation prioritization, particularly in forestland and grassland habitats.
The Effects of Landscape Change on Plant Diversity and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
Human-induced landscape changes significantly impact plant diversity and structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study found that increased patch number positively correlates with species richness, diversity, and basal area (p < 0.05), while larger mean patch size negatively affects these metrics (p < 0.05). Edge habitats exhibit higher species richness and diversity compared to interior areas, though the latter shows greater woody plant basal area. Despite its ecological importance, the park faces threats from human settlements, overgrazing, and fire, which are reducing its biodiversity and ecosystem services. The research suggests that integrated environmental management strategies are crucial to mitigate these impacts.
Coexistence between human and wildlife: the nature, causes and mitigations of human wildlife conflict around Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia
Human-wildlife conflict around Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia, significantly impacts both humans and wildlife through crop damage, livestock predation, habitat disturbance, and killings. Agricultural expansion (30%), human settlement (24%), overgrazing (14%), deforestation (18%), illegal grass collection (10%), and poaching (4%) are the major causes of conflict. Farmers employ various mitigation strategies such as crop guarding (34%), live fencing (26%), scarecrows (22%), chasing (14%), and smoking (5%), while livestock protection relies on fencing (38%), chasing (30%), scarecrows (24%), and guarding (8%). The study recommends awareness creation, clear border identification, rule formulation, benefit sharing, and reduced settlement encroachment to foster peaceful coexistence. Stakeholders are advised to promote conflict mitigation strategies among local communities.
Ecotourism development in Ethiopia: costs and benefits for protected area conservation
Ecotourism and biodiversity conservation can be mutually beneficial, but their relationship remains precarious due to significant challenges. A study of the Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia reveals that while ecotourism development holds potential for conservation, practical implementation faces hurdles such as low education and awareness levels, limited community participation, unequal distribution of benefits and costs, insufficient sustainable financing, and environmental pressures from population growth. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from 389 park visitors via self-administered questionnaires and qualitative insights from 20 stakeholder interviews conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions to integrate ecotourism principles with neoliberal conservation approaches, fostering sustainable symbiosis in protected areas.
Estimating visitors' willingness to pay for a conservation fund: sustainable financing approach in protected areas in Ethiopia
A significant majority (75%) of visitors to Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) expressed willingness to pay for a conservation fund, with foreign and domestic visitors willing to contribute US$7.40 and US$1.00 respectively. This finding suggests that introducing a conservation fee in addition to the existing entry fee could enhance the long-term sustainable financing of protected areas (PAs). The study employed the contingent valuation method to estimate visitors' willingness to pay, providing valuable insights for crafting strategies that balance conservation needs with development goals in emerging economies like Ethiopia.
Factors Affecting Tourism Marketing Demand; - Evidence from Ethiopia wildlife conservation authority and Bale Mountain National park; Ethiopia
Poor image creation, inadequate promotion of tourist attractions, and insufficient infrastructure significantly hinder tourism marketing demand at Ethiopia's Bale Mountains National Park. Additionally, safety concerns, political instability, and the seasonal nature of tourism further exacerbate these challenges. The study, based on surveys of 220 tourists (both domestic and international) and interviews with park workers, employed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including regression and correlation models. Recommendations include enhancing tourism infrastructure, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering community-based ecotourism to mitigate these issues.
An exploratory study of ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia: using an ECOSERV model
A revised ECOSERV model, tailored for ecotourism contexts, identifies that the current ecotourism services quality (ESQ) in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia, falls short of visitor expectations. This study, based on surveys of 293 international visitors, revealed a significant service gap, indicating negative disconfirmation and highlighting the need for park management to address these deficiencies to enhance visitor satisfaction and competitiveness. The model, comprising seven ESQ dimensions and 28 attributes, provides a framework for improving ecotourism experiences in protected areas.
Attitudes and perceptions of the local people towards benefits and conflicts they get from conservation of the Bale Mountains National Park and Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), Ethiopia
Local communities near Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, show mixed attitudes towards conservation, with 55% experiencing conflicts and 26% benefiting. Key benefits include leasing horses to tourists (62%) and guiding (44%), while major conflicts involve fear of relocation (84%) and livestock grazing restrictions (74%). Despite these challenges, 80% support the park's conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered mountain nyala. Benefit distribution was perceived as inequitable (83%), and attitudes varied by livelihood strategy but not proximity or settlement duration. The study suggests potential for enhanced cooperation to improve conservation outcomes.
Effectiveness and cost efficiency of monitoring mountain nyala in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A cost-effective monitoring protocol for the endangered mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, offers significant financial savings without compromising effectiveness. The study found that total counts, despite underestimating population size, were more precise and required only 12% of the resources needed compared to distance sampling. This method also demonstrated greater power to detect changes in population size, making it a viable alternative for long-term conservation efforts in resource-limited protected areas like BMNP. The research highlights the importance of evaluating cost efficiency alongside effectiveness when selecting monitoring protocols.
Floristic composition and structure of the dry Afromontane forest at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Excessive cutting of ecologically, economically, and medically important tree species has been identified as a significant threat to the Dry Afromontane Forest in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between July 2003 and June 2004 across three sites (Adelle, Boditi, and Gaysay) at altitudes ranging from 3010 to 3410 meters, documented 230 species belonging to 58 families. Analysis revealed five homogeneous vegetation clusters, with tree densities of 766 and 458 individuals per hectare in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. Juniperus procera and Hagenia abyssinica contributed significantly to the basal area, accounting for 43% and 57%, respectively. The study highlighted that both Adelle and Boditi forests are at an early secondary stage of development, with clear evidence of selective logging impacting population structures.
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.
Demography and dynamics of mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
A significant decline of 45% in the mountain nyala population (Tragelaphus buxtoni) was observed in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, between 2003 and 2005, with an annual decrease of 2%-5%. The study attributed this reduction to anthropogenic factors such as competition with livestock for forage, habitat encroachment, and poaching. Population density varied significantly between sub-populations (Dinsho Sanctuary and Gaysay/Adelay), with the Dinsho group being isolated, potentially limiting their access to mates and suitable habitats. The population size was estimated at 830-908 individuals, despite an increase in mean density due to habitat contraction. Demographic parameters remained stable over three years, suggesting that the decline was not due to random variations but likely driven by human activities.
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