Walia Special Edition on the Bale Mountains (2011) - Zoologische ...

heights, evidence of wood use by the local communities and tree crown damage were collected from
171 randomly laid plots (each 100 m2 ). Additional 25 plots were used to measure spatial changes
of vegetation structure and cover across Gaysay grassland area. Livestock presence negatively
affected vegetation structure, composition and cover of the area. Livestock presence in the area
was negatively correlated with most of the measured variables as well as, the presence of mountain
nyala. The result revealed that settlements and agriculture expansion activities have considerably
reduced habitat availability and, in turn, affected population size of mountain nyala.
Attitudes towards Conservation and the Park
The main aim this study was to examine the attitudes, and awareness of the local communities
towards conservation values of BMNP, its flora and fauna with particular emphasis on mountain
nyala. Specifically, the study investigated how attitudes vary with different groups of people
involved in recent or long term settlements; people with different livelihood strategies and among
people living at in different distances away from the park. questionnaires and interviews were
directed to randomly selected households and key-informants in 7 villages located near the park.
Out of the 136 people interviewed, about a quarter of respondents (26%) felt that they benefited
from while 55% felt that they experienced conflict by living near the park. The most important
benefits identified were leasing of horses to tourists (62%), serving as tourist guide (44%), and use
of park’s vehicles in time of emergency (38%). But a significant portion (83%) of the respondents
agreed that there is lack of equity in benefit distribution. The main conflicts identified were fear
of forceful relocation (84%), livestock or grazing restrictions (74%) and restriction of firewood
collection (54%). Perceived benefits and conflicts were varied across livelihood strategy but not
proximity to the park and duration of settlement. The majority of respondents (66%) believe that
their presence in the area does not contribute to habitat degradation, an attitude more commonly held
among recent (within 2 yr) settlers than long-term settlers (within 15 yr). The overall attitude of the
local people towards the park and mountain nyala is appeared to be positive since, for example, 80%
of respondents would support the park’s conservation activities if given the chance, suggesting that
there is scope to enhance cooperation and improve the prospects for conservation of the mountain
nyala and its habitat.
<strong>Walia</strong>-<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Edition</strong> on the Bale Mountains 96