Abstract:
Ethiopia is recognized for its rich biodiversity, due to diverse ecosystems and varied topography.
However, wildlife habitats face significant threats from various anthropogenic activities, leading
to increased human-wildlife conflict (HWC).This study was conducted to investigate the diversity
and relative abundance of medium and large-sized mammals and to assess the extent and causes
of HWC in and around Wolete Petros Unity Monastery, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Data
were collected from June to Augus 2025 using block count method across 12 systematically
selected blocks. Direct observations and indirect evidence, such as footprints, scats, and
vocalizations, were used to record species occurrence. For the HWC assessment, a questionnaire
survey was administered to 120 randomly selected households from eight villages, supplemented
by direct observations and focus group discussions. A total of 15 medium and large-sized
mammal species belonging to 4 orders and 8 families were recorded. The order Primates and
Artiodactyla was the most diverse each contains (5 species, 33.33%), followed by Carnivora (3
species, 20%), and Rodentia,2 species,3.34%0. A total of 158 individuals were counted, with the
Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) being the most abundant species (n=75, 40.1%). The Shannon-
Wiener diversity index (H'=1.627) and Simpson’s index (1-D=0.713) indicated a moderate level
of species diversity with relatively high evenness (J = 0.487). Forest habitats supported the
highest species richness and abundance. HWC assessment revealed that habitat degradation
(56.7%) and farmland expansion around forest edges (25%) were the primary causes of conflict.
Crop damage was most severe in the forest zone (62.5%), with maize being the most frequently
raided crop. Fruiting and vegetative stages of crops were the most vulnerable. Guarding (day
and night) was the most common used mitigation strategy, primarily performed by children and
men using stones and sticks. Species group composition was dominated by adults (46.2%),
followed by juveniles (32.9%) and infants (20.9%). Klipspringer (
አንቺችክሳ), was a small
mammal species of the family Bovidae found across a rocky and grass habitats of the monastery.
It had a reddish-brown coat, straight male horns.