Girma-Eshete-Jenbere-thesis - Ethiopian Wolf Conservation ...

soil differ from place to place based on the geology, physiographic variations and climate which
are clearly observed on vegetation growth of the area.
3.1.5. Vegetations and wild animals
The Abune Yoseph massif shows a complex mosaic of ecosystems, where bush lands,
woodlands, and Afro-alpine grasslands were represented. Remnant natural forests of Erica
arborea patches are seen around the church compounds and at boundaries between mountain and
farmland. Its Afro-alpine vegetations are characterized by giant lobelia, guassa grass and
Euryops spp. which is locally known as „chifra‟ and „kirshiba‟. Grasslands mostly occur in
association with the Euryops shrub. Its relatively steep slopes are covered by a mosaic of barley
cultures and scattered patches of medium sized Afro-alpine grass meadows, shrubs, bushes and
the endemic giant lobelias.
Mt. Abune Yoseph has 43 species of mammals, from 19 families and nine orders (Saavedra,
2009) and 221 bird species, belonging to 48 families and 16 orders (Lepage, 2006). From the 31
endemic species of mammals known for Ethiopia and Eritrea 7 (22%) and from 16 endemic
species of birds found in Ethiopia 6 (35%) have been found in the massif. Following the data of
the Important Bird Areas of Ethiopia work (EWNHS, 1996) the Abune Yoseph massif could be
considered to be the second most important bird area in the country (Saavedra, 2009).
3.1.6. Water resources
The North Wollo highlands including Mt. Abune Yoseph are the watersheds for the tributaries of
three main river basins of Ethiopia, the Tekeze basin, the Awash basin and the Abay basin.
Several streams intersect the area and feed the Tekeze River.
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