IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Yirga, G.; Gebresenbet, F.; Deckers, J.; Bauer, H. | |
| Status of Lion (_Panthera leo_) and Spotted Hyena (_Crocuta crocuta_) in Nechisar National Park, Ethiopia | |
| 2014 Momona Ethiopian Journal of Science (MEJS) (6): 127-137 | |
Globally large carnivores are in decline due to a combination of habitat degradation and direct human persecution. A survey was conducted in Nechisar national park, Southern Ethiopia to investigate the population status of lion (_Panthera leo_) and hyena (_Crocuta crocuta_). Eleven callups were performed; a total of two adult male lions and six spotted hyenas responded. Estimates give a lion density of between 2 and 5 per 100 km2 or a total population estimate of 7 to 23 lions and a hyena density of between 4 to 8 hyenas per 100 km2 or a total population estimate of 17 to 34 hyenas. These estimates include extrapolation to a heavily encroached area where large carnivores are unlikely to occur. The lion population is probably limited to the visually confirmed four individuals. The carrying capacity of Nechisar national park, excluding livestock, is 21 lions and 48 hyenas. The resident agro-pastoral communities who are living with their livestock inside and adjacent to the national park are in conflict with carnivores. This might account for the low density of lion and hyena in the park, and perhaps might result in local extinction within a few years. |
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