Abstract:
Chelya Aguat Wuha and Liminch Tach Jufi Wetlands are located at the periphery of durbete
town in South Achefer Woreda, north western Ethiopia. This study investigate the ecological
status of these wetlands and examine the scale of the human disturbances that the local
conductivity ( S/cm), pH, dissolved
oxygen(mg/l), turbidity (NTU) in-situ and nitrate and phosphate in ex-situ were measured for
communities might impose on them. Temperature (
o
C),
assessing ecological condition of wetlands. Macrophytes data collected using transect
sampling method. Sixty reliv’e sites selected randomly every ten (2mx2m) on the eleven
transects. six line transect counting sites were used for counting birds by naked eye and
Binocular. Household survey, focus group discussion, field observation and key informant
interview were made. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Relatively the value of
pH, conductivity and turbidity higher in the Chelya Aguat Wuha wetland than Liminch Tach
Jufi wetland, however, the value of all physico chemical variables measured were inline with
standards. Thirteen and fifteen macrophyte families in Chelya Aguat Wuha and Liminch Tach
Jufi wetlands recorded respectively. Totally thirty seven genera and seventeen macrophyte
families were recorded. The highest diversity index(2.67) and evenness (0.84) of macrophyte
at Chelya Aguat Wuha was recorded during wet season and the least diversity index(1.61)
and evenness(0.65) was recorded during the dry season in Liminch Tach Jufi wetland.
Species composition of birds during the wet and dry seasons was significantly different
(P<0.05) but insignificant difference between studied wetlands (P>0.05). Chelya Aguat
Wuha was more diverse bird species than Liminch Tach Jufi wetlands. The biological and
environmental condition was similar and suitable habitat for fauna and flora, however,
chelya Aguat Wuha and Liminch Tach Jufi was least and mid disturbed wetlands respectively
by human activities. Draining for small scale irrigation in Liminch Tach Jufi, expansion of
farming, overgrazing, over exploitation and eucalyptus plantation were major threats.
Key words: Chelya Aguat Wuha, Diversity, Ecosystem services, human disturbance,
Liminch Tach Jufi