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

preliminary data. From the preliminary data, a methodology was designed for collecting more
detailed data in consideration of the features and variability of the horas identified. The second
phase was dedicated to locating more sites, crosschecking the preliminary data and systematically
collecting data from the horas that were accessible. The final week was spent crosschecking data
and conducting focused discussions with local informants on migration patterns associated with the
use of the horas.
The survey made extensive use of traditional knowledge in order to locate and characterize
the sites. Sites were located through group discussions in the villages of Rira, Hawo, Haro Gurratti,
Addeye, Gebicho and Maniate. The formation of groups was spontaneous in most cases, by gathering
of villagers at the arrival of the research team. Hence groups for discussions varied in size (from
three to more than 20 participants) and composition. Generally, only adult males participated but
at least two age groups were always represented, 30-50 years olds (adult males directly involved in
livestock husbandry) and >50 years old (elders, for a more traditional and historical perspective).
The lists of horas and tabalas in each area (village) were cross-checked and updated throughout the
survey through interviews with the many locals encountered, a process that involved all the members
of the research team. The compilation of number, name and location of sites was a dynamic process;
with this method, many new sites emerged that were not mentioned during the initial discussions.
On each site, GPS readings were taken and general features of the environment were recorded;
for example, if the spring was situated within forest or grassland and if the terrain was primarily soil
or rock. Water was sampled with three replications and tested in the field for pH (Elmetron pH-tester
TP-1), temperature and conductivity (Elmetron cc-401). Additionally, the colour of the sediments
was assessed with a Munsell colour chart, with the scope of investigating any characterization of
springs depending on colour (hence main mineral content). When present, the diameter of the gimba
was measured, and plants species used for fencing and bidiru’ were recorded. A gimba or caba is a
circular stone fence surrounding the hora and a bidiru is a wooden channel created to hold water for
the livestock to drink from. Both the gimba and bidiru are structures that protect the source from
damage by livestock and protect the livestock from falling into the spring.
Through guided discussion, two or three local guides orally provided answers to a simple
questionnaire on use, history and visitation by wildlife. One of the guides was the permanent
guide for the research team; he worked in rotation and/or in addition to one or two guides from the
village nearest to the hora. All guides were adult males aged 30-50, except in Rira, where an elder
participated. Due to the harsh terrain, it was generally not possible to employ elders for walks to the
sites.
For a final crosschecking exercise and to gather information about seasonal migration patterns
group discussions were arranged in the villages of Hawo, Haro Gurratti, Addeye and Gebicho.
These discussions were longer and more structured than the ones used for locating the sites and were
arranged with the help of local leaders, assembling groups (still very variable in size) with equal
participation of adults (30-50) and elders (over 50). Women did not take part in the discussions,
despite our effort to encourage them to participate.
<strong>Walia</strong>-<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Edition</strong> on the Bale Mountains 227