Amphibian diversity in relation to environmental change in Harenna Forest, Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: A Remote sensing and GIS Approach

A. Saber, Samy; Kassahun, Roman; P Loader, Simon; B. El Kafrawy, Sameh

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2019.40420

Amphibian diversity in relation to environmental change in Harenna Forest, Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: A Remote sensing and GIS Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejabf.2019.40420

Abstract

Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to environmental change in Harenna Forest, BMNP was assessed using GIS and Remote sensing. Sampling of amphibian communities was conducted during July-August 2008 and February 2009; which includes wet and dry seasons in the area. Data on diversity, evenness and dominance was analyzed; seven endemic amphibian species belonging to one order, 5 families and 5 genera were recorded. The current results were compared with the past investigation of amphibians in the Harenna Forest. The results showed a decrease in abundance and diversity of amphibians over the past decades. GIS and Remote sensing methods using satellite images of the Harenna Forest were used to quantitatively analyze land use/land cover changes from 1973 to 2000. The results showed a significant reduction in the forest cover and wetlands followed by the establishment of new land use types, such as agricultural land and settlement in 2000.

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