Abstract:
This study was carried out to investigate wild ungulate species distribution, diversity and relative
abundance from February to March 2020 during dry season and August to September 2020
during wet season in DhatiWolel National Park, Western Ethiopia. The study area was classified
into four habitat types(Wetland, Woodland, Riverine forest, Grassland). Population size and
abundance were collected from all habitat types using line transect method. Distribution of
ungulates was collected using the presence absence survey in all study habitats. Simpson’s
similarity index was used to compare ungulate similarity in all the study habitats. Data were
analyzed using SPSS version 20. A total of 12 species belonging to three Orders were recorded
during the present study. The highest diversity (H’=1.339) with the highest evenness (E=0.644)
was recorded from the woodland habitats. The lowest species diversity of ungulates was
recorded from wetland habitat (H’= 0.794) with evenness (E=0.5). The abundance of ungulates
was varied: hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) 1271 (52.6 %) was the most abundant
while Bohor reedbuck (Reduncare dunca) was the least abundant that contributed only 11
(0.455%) from a total of 2416 recorded individuals. The highest similarity (SI=0.842) was
recorded between woodland and grassland and the least similarity (SI= 0.363) was recorded
between riverine forest and wetland during the dry season. During the wet season, the highest
similarity (SI=0.8) was recorded between grassland and riverine forest and the least similarity
(SI=0.16) was recorded between wetland and woodland habitat. The relative abundance of
ungulates was abundant (9.09%), common (36.36 %), frequent (9.09), uncommon (27.27 %)
and rare (18.18 %). The highest species similarity was recorded between woodland and
grassland habitats. This habitat similarity might be due to the presence of similar vegetation
composition which is suitable as food resources for most herbivores ungulates in the two
habitats. The study area harbor diversified wild ungulates. Woodland habitat was selected best
by the ungulate species. This may be due to more suitable for different ungulates. Controlling
habitat destruction and livestock grazing of the national park are crucial for the health of the park
and the wild animals in the park. Active community participation and awareness creation to the
local community are essential for maintaining the habitats and ungulate population of the area.
Key words: Distribution, Evenness, Diversity, Ungulates.