Population estimate, distribution range, and human-hippopotamus  (Hippopotamus amphibious) conflicts in Lake Tana, Ethiopia

Getasew, Mulu

dc.contributor.author	Getasew, Mulu
dc.date.accessioned	2024-11-01T07:33:23Z
dc.date.available	2024-11-01T07:33:23Z
dc.date.issued	2024-06
dc.identifier.uri	http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16078
dc.description.abstract	hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) serves as a keystone species within various aquatic ecosystems, notably in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the distribution range, population estimate, and human-hippopotamus conflicts in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. The study was conducted from June to October 2022. The study employed total count methods for population estimation and utilized scan sampling to investigate activity patterns. Human hippopotamus conflicts were assessed through questionnaires and focus group discussions. Habitat preferences and suitability were determined by analyzing hippopotamus density across different habitats and seasons using multiple rings buffer analysis on ArcGIS 10.7.1. The mean population size of hippopotamuses in Lake Tana was estimated to be 252.67±15.9 individuals. Population estimates varied across months, with statistically significant differences observed (χ2= 32.709, df= 5, P=0.00).The population composition included 98.5±4.85 males, 103.5±3.17 females, and 50.833±6.47 young, maintaining a stable sex ratio of 1.00:1.06 between males and females and a young to adult ratio of 1.00:3.97. However, the young to female ratio was 1.00:2.03. Spatial analysis revealed that 4.65% of the lake shoreline was highly suitable for hippopotamus habitation, while 48.37% was moderately suitable, and 46.97% was unsuitable due to steep slopes. Conflicts between humans and hippopotamuses, primarily driven by resource competition and crop damage, were identified as significant issues in the Lake Tana area. The distribution of hippopotamus populations was found to be influenced by factors such as slope, water availability, vegetation cover, and human activities. Based on these findings, it is recommended that further research be conducted to thoroughly understand the biodiversity of the Lake Tana ecosystem. Specific and detailed studies are crucial for the formulation of effective management plans aimed at mitigating human-hippopotamus conflicts and ensuring the long term conservation of this vital aquatic habitat. Keywords: Conflict, distribution range, hippopotamus, Lake Tana, population estimate	en_US
dc.language.iso	en	en_US
dc.subject	Biology	en_US
dc.title	Population estimate, distribution range, and human-hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) conflicts in Lake Tana, Ethiopia	en_US
dc.type	Thesis	en_US