Biodiversity Express Survey Sheka biosphere reserve · The Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve in Southwest Ethiopia lies within the Eastern Afromonta-ne Biodiversity Hotspot and comprises

Biodiversity Express Survey

Sheka biosphere reserveSeptember 2016

Biodiversity Inventory for Conservation

Biodiversity Express Survey 5

2Biodiversity Inventory for Conservation

Biodiversity Express Survey (BES) 5, Sheka forest biosphere reserve, Ethiopia, 201615 September 2016Biodiversity Inventory for Conservation (BINCO)http://[email protected]

Editor: Matthias De Beenhouwer

Contributing authors: Bernard Oosterlynck, Jesse Erens, Mattias Van Opstal, Jan Mertens and Million Belay

Lay out: Jan Mertens

Publication date:v5.0 September 2016

Picture covers: 1. Riverine forest at the Baro river - photo courtesy of Siel Wellens 2. Afrixalus enseticola - photo courtesy of Jesse Erens 3. Bycanistes brevis - photo courtesy of Siel Wellens 4. Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) - photo courtesy of Matthias De Beenhouwer 5. Danaus chrysippus - photo courtesy of Matthias De Beenhouwer

Biodiversity Express Surveys (BES) are snapshot biodiversity studies of carefully selected regions. Expeditions typically target understudied and/or threatened areas with an urgent need for more information on the occurring fauna and flora. The results are presented in an Express Report (ER) that is made publicly available online for anybody to use and can be found at www.BINCO.eu. Teams consist of a small number of international specialists and local scientists. Results presented in Express Reports are dynamic and will be updated as new information on identifications from the survey and from observations in the area become available.

Suggested citation:

De Beenhouwer M., Oosterlynck B., Van Opstal M., Shaweno A., Belay M., Erens J. (2016) Express Biodiversity Survey in Sheka Forest Biosphere reserve, Ethiopia. Biodiversity Express Survey 5. Biodi-versity Inventory for Conservation. Glabbeek, Belgium, 30 pp.

1

2 3 4 5

http://www.binco.eu

mailto:info%40binco.eu?subject=BES%205%20-%20Sheka%20Forest

BES5 Sheka forest - September 2016

3

Index

Expedition fact sheet 4

Quick overview of results 6

Abstract 6

1. Introduction 7

2. Goal 9

3. Biodiversity survey 9

Herpetofauna 10

Mammals 12

Birds 14

Butterflies 22

Orchids 23

4. Results 24

5. Discussion 26

6. References 28

Appendix I 30


EXPEDITION FACT SHEET

LocationSheka Zone, SNPPR, Southwest Ethiopia.

DateFebruary – June 2016

Expedition Members – ExpertiseMatthias De Beenhouwer – Birds and MammalsBernard Oosterlynck – BirdsJesse Erens – Amphibians and ReptilesMattias Van Opstal – Birds and Mammals

TraineesWosen Adinew; Mebratu Chegito; Berhanu Ayasho; Belihatu Kidane; Getnet Kassahun

CooperationThis expedition was made possible with help of:

• MELCA-Ethiopia, Sheka Branch Office• Birdlife, Eastern Afromontane Branch Office• EWNHS, Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural

History Society• EWCA, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation

Authority

• Anderacha, Masha, and Yeki woreda offices• Local guides (Befekadu and Yimbelo)• Jimma University• Katholieke Universiteit Leuven


5

AcknowledgementsWe greatly acknowledge the CEPF (Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund) and the KNBV (Royal Bo-tanical Society of The Netherlands) for financially supporting this project. Additionally, we want to thank IDEA Wild and BINCO for material support. BirdLife International, IUCN and EWNHS are acknowledged for logistic support.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure that civil so-ciety is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

Finally, we want to acknowledge MELCA-Ethiopia. This Ethiopian NGO, founded by Dr. Million Belay, has worked hard to mobilize the local people, government and other actors for the protection of Sheka as well as promote the importance of this forest, both nationally and internationally, and with success, as the Sheka forest and its surroundings are now known as the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve in UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere program (MAB). MELCA-Ethiopia, and especially Adugna Shaweno and Wosen Adinew, did not only greatly facilitate our research in terms of logistics and pa-perwork, but also showed us that community based forest conservation is the way forward. Lastly, we can’t thank MELCA enough for their invaluable support and their hospitality and friendship during our stay.


QuICk OvErvIEw OF rESulTS

Table 1. An overview of the taxa identified at this point and the survey and collecting techniques used: Op-portunistic observations (OO), Active survey (AS), Camera trapping (CT).

Taxa # Species Survey TechniqueMammals 25 CT and OO

Amphibians 21 AS and OO Reptiles 8 OO

Birds 246 AS and OO Butterflies 49 OO

Orchids 19 OO

AbSTrACTAs Ethiopia’s forests are rapidly disappearing, a better protection of the remaining forest ecosystems becomes paramount for conserving extant Ethiopian biodiversity, including its associated genetic re-sources. The Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve in Southwest Ethiopia lies within the Eastern Afromonta-ne Biodiversity Hotspot and comprises one of the larger continuous stretches of forest left in the coun-try. Nonetheless, little is known about the forest biodiversity, although this is a crucial first step for an efficient forest conservation and management, and to start up a long-term monitoring program. To fill this gap, we surveyed a selected number of taxa (amphibians, mammals and birds) and complemented this with opportunistic observations of reptile, butterfly and orchid species to better understand the complexity and gradients of biodiversity across different habitats (including riverine forest, broadleaf forest, bamboo forest and plantation forest) within the reserve. Provisionally, we identified 25 mammal species, 21 amphibians, 8 reptiles, 246 birds, 49 butterfly species, and 19 species of epiphytic orchid. Species identification is ongoing and this survey report will be updated as more information becomes available. This expedition revealed many species new for this area, showing a considerable range and/or altitudinal extension. Also, many endemic and/or globally threatened species (following the IUCN red list) were found. These were often found in the proposed core zones within the reserve, emphasizing not only the biogeographical importance of this reserve within the biodiversity hotspot, but also the functi-onality of the designated core zone. However, as human encroachment into these core zones increases, it is time to halt land allocation to private investors, and to acknowledge the value of the long-establis-hed kobo community forestry for biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management. This expedition mostly illustrates the scant knowledge of biodiversity in these forest ecosystems. In light of the current threat, our findings highlight an acute need for a better insight in the occurring fauna and flora. We also recommend the startup of a long-term monitoring protocol to enable the detection of changes related to human encroachment, habitat conversion and climate change.


7

Ethiopian natural forests are rapidly disappearing and today the remaining primary forest located mostly in the country’s most inaccessible areas. The national deforestation rate is estimated at 140,900 ha annually, and forest intensification converts the remaining natural forest patches to coffee forests or open woodland. According to the U.N., 11.2% or about 12,296,000 ha of Ethiopia is forested, though the percentage of natural forest is unclear (FAO, 2010). Threats to the Ethiopian forests are numerous as a result of a rising population pressure, with widespread deforestation for new settlement and agri-cultural lands, as well as adverse urban development policies and uncontrolled private investment. The strong increase of coffee and tea plantations, for example, and the current deterioration of the culture of forest protection are two examples relevant to the Sheka zone. In addition, forest depletion for short term needs, such as timber, firewood collection and bush meat are omnipresent in the remaining for-ests with unknown effects on Ethiopia’s flora and fauna.

Forests in southwestern Ethiopia occur along a wide ecological gradient and include diverse types. In the highlands, there is predominantly Afromontane rainforest (Friis, 1992) which grows at altitudes from 1500 to 2400 m, whereas in the lowlands transitional rainforests (500–1500 m) are predominant, together with the dry Guineo-Congolian forests (450–600 m). A large number of endemic plants occur in the Afromontane forests including wild populations of plants with substantial agricultural value such as Coffea arabica, Aframomum corrorima, and Piper capense. C. arabica is the most popular cof-fee consumed in the world, while A. corrorima and P. capense are important sources of spices and thus local income (Woldemarian & Fetene, 2007).

The Sheka administrative zone is situated within the SNNPR (Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples) province, bordering both the Gambela province in the West and the Oromia province in the North and East. It consists of three districts (Yeki, Anderacha and Masha woreda), each divided in a differing number of municipalities or kebele’s (the smallest administrative division). The Sheka zone is one of the few zones in Ethiopia where traditional beliefs and ecological knowledge have aided the conservation of forests up to now. As a result, forest areas in the Sheka zone are part of the largest un-fragmented forest remaining in the country, and by far the largest in the Horn of Africa. Local commu-nities have developed a long tradition of sustainable forest management, called Kobo forestry, mainly for honey production though also for harvesting wild coffee and cardamom. Nowadays, however, pop-ulation pressure and investors are increasing pressure on the remaining forest. The process of forest allocation for plantation conversion by investors is still ongoing, with few assessment of the impact on local economy, culture and environment (though see Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007). Today, deforesta-tion rate within Sheka is one of the highest in the country (Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007). Last decade, MELCA (an Ethiopian NGO) has worked hard to mobilize the local youth and people, government and other actors for its protection as well as promote the importance of this forest, both nationally and internationally, with great success, as the Sheka forest and its surroundings are now known as the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve.

The area within the Biosphere Reserve contains a high habitat diversity. Broadleaf forests, wetlands, bamboo forest, moorland, riverine forest, agricultural land and rural areas add up to an interesting landscape matrix, crucial for the conservation of thousands of species. Moreover, it covers a unique biogeographic gradient with hot and humid lowland areas up to cold and wet highlands. Forests repre-

1 Introduction


sent some of the most species rich ecosystems on Earth and are often crucial for a specific set of forest dependent species. Together with the local communities, MELCA-Ethiopia has achieved the establish-ment of 7 core zones within the reserve where forest use is limited to management of traditional bee hives and harvesting of wild coffee, cardamom and medicinal plants (Kobo forestry). Every core zone is surrounded by a forest buffer zone where management is high, aimed at wood harvesting and coffee cultivation (Fig. 1).

The dominant forest type in the region, between 1000 and 2300 m above sea level (asl), is Afromontane rainforest. This forest is characterized by canopy dwellers from the genera Podocarpus and Pouteria. It is in this forest type that wild Coffea arabica shrubs are occurring in the shrub layer. Areas higher than 2300 m, however, are mainly dominated by alpine bamboo (Arundinaria alpine). Less than 150,000 ha of highland bamboo forest remains in the country, with a significant part of it found in the Sheka zone (13,552 ha; Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007).

Ethiopia is recognized as one of the 25 most biodiversity rich countries in the world and its biodiversity is renown, mainly for its high percentage of endemism. The highland forests in the SW of Ethiopia are part of the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot (Mittermeier et al., 2004). Moreover, Ethiopia is the center of origin for around 38 crop plants, of which coffee (Coffea arabica), teff (Eragrostis tef), cardamom (Aframomum cororima) and ensete (Ensete ventricosum) are among the most important. Most of the plant species recorded in the area have one or more types of local use. This shows the high dependency of the local community on the forest, and the importance of conserving it (Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007).


9

Fig. 1. Map showing the proposed zoning into different management zones within the Sheka Bio-sphere reserve (Data used from UNESCO Nomination form, 2011). Core zones are planned to re-ceive the highest level of protection within the Biosphere reserve.


This survey was aimed to increase the knowledge of biodiversity for selected taxa in the Sheka bio-sphere reserve. Until now, biodiversity surveys were limited to forest plant inventories. This study can also be seen as a first assessment of birds, large mammals and amphibians within the biosphere reserve, awaiting more thorough inventory and monitoring in the (near) future. We also aimed to evaluate the value of the core zones in the Sheka reserve (implemented by the local government in collaboration with MELCA) as priority areas to protect. Additionally, though not within the scope of this specific report, we aimed to assess the ecotourism potential in the region and we trained five locally based peo-ple towards biodiversity surveying, monitoring and forest protection, in collaboration with MELCA. A full training report and travel guide can be found on our website www.binco.eu/nl/publications/.

2 Goal

3 Biodiversity surveysThe field campaign started at the beginning of February 2016 in Masha (7°45’N, 35°28’E), at an altitude of 2250 m asl, from where multiple-day excursions were organized to different zones (core, buffer and transition zone) across the three woredas in the Sheka Zone (Anderacha, Masha and Yeki), all situated within the Biosphere reserve. Our field expeditions predominantly took place within Anderacha and Masha woreda, from February till May 2016. For BINCO staff, training and surveying stopped begin-ning of May. Surveys continued, to a lesser extent, for MELCA staff in Masha and Anderacha woreda during May and June 2016. Yeki woreda was surveyed to a lesser extent, though in total, we visited 9 different kebeles across the three woredas. In the following section, we will briefly list the observations made during our surveys. Surveys were mainly focused on amphibians, birds and mammals. However, also opportunistic observations of reptiles, butterflies and epiphytic orchids were noted. The follow-ing sections will be updated based on expert opinions and slower identification of invertebrates and amphibians over time. New updates will be uploaded online (www.binco.eu) when this information becomes available.

http://www.binco.eu/nl/publications/

http://www.binco.eu


11

HerpetofaunaErens J., Oosterlynck B., Van Opstal M., De Beenhouwer M.

An estimated 40% of amphibians in Ethiopia occur nowhere else in the world. Yet, Ethiopian amphib-ians have long been understudied. Only one comprehensive survey of the highlands in the Southwest of Ethiopia has been undertaken thus far, and as a result, species records in this area are mainly known from more sporadic observations or more specific studies (Largen, 2001). Recently however, several amphibian surveys have taken place in specific highland forests in the Southwest, resulting in interest-ing range extensions (Gower et al., 2012; Mengistu, 2012; Mertens et al., 2016). Amphibians were as-sessed on visual encounter surveys (VES) at night, from the beginning of February till the end of April during the onset of the Ethiopian rainy season. Surveys were focused around small and large streams, swamps, wetlands and moorlands. Tentatively, 21 species of amphibians were recorded for this region, with at least eight (38%) endemic to Ethiopia (Table 2). Seven species were new observations for the region. A relatively low diversity of reptiles was encountered, echoing previous observations of reptile species diversity in the montane rainforests of southwest Ethiopia (Largen & Spawls, 2010; De Been-houwer et al., 2015b). This might be partly attributed to the high elevation of our study area (generally > 2000 m) and a local aversion towards snakes. Reptiles and amphibians were identified using the field guide to Ethiopian reptiles and amphibians (Largen and Spawls, 2010), complemented with more recent literature (Mengistu, 2012) and distribution patterns updated using the IUCN red list (IUCN, 2014).A datasheet with amphibian observations is available on request indicating presence and relative abun-dance of the different species across the biosphere reserve and within the different core zones.

Table 2. Amphibians and reptiles identified inside the Sheka Biosphere reserve. ‘N’ indicates that the spe-cies was not yet known for the area and ‘E’ indicates that the species is endemic for Ethiopia. IUCN status and geographic occurrence according to the updated list at www.iucnredlist.org, accessed on 09/05/2016, LC= Least concern, VU= Vulnerable, EN= Endangered, DD= Data deficient and NE= not evaluated.

N° Species Vernacular name N / E IUCNAmphibia

1 Afrixalus clarkei Clarke’s banana frog N + E EN2 Afrixalus enseticola Ethiopian banana frog N + E VU3 Afrixalus quadrivittatus Striped banana frog N LC4 Amietia angolensis Angola river frog LC5 Amietophrynus cf. regularis 1 African common toad LC6 Conraua beccarii Filfil slippery frog LC7 Hemisus microscaphus Ethiopian snout-burrower E LC8 Hoplobatrachus occipitalis Crowned bullfrog LC9 Hyperolius viridiflavus Common reed frog LC

10 Hyperolius balfouri / kivuensis 2 LC11 Hyperolius acuticeps Sharp-nosed reed frog LC

http://www.iucnredlist.org


N° Species Vernacular name N / E IUCN12 Leptopelis bocagii Bocage’s tree frog N LC13 Leptopelis vannutellii Dime forest tree frog E LC14 Leptopelis sp. 3 N + E15 Leptopelis sp. 3 N + E16 Phrynobatrachus minutus E LC17 Phrynobatrachus natalensis Natal dwarf puddle frog LC18 Ptychadena anchietae Anchieta's ridged frog LC19 Ptychadena cf. mascareniensis 3 Mascarene grass frog N20 Ptychadena cf. neumanni 3 E21 Xenopus clivii Eritrea clawed frog LC

Reptilia1 Lygodactylus gutturalis Uganda dwarf gecko NE2 Mabuya maculilabris Speckle-lipped skink NE3 Trioceros affinis Beardless Ethiopian Montane Chameleon E LC4 Bitis parviocula Ethiopian mountain adder E DD5 Boaedon fuliginosus African House Snake LC6 Natriciteres olivacea Olive Marsh Snake LC7 Philothamnus battersbyi Battersby's Green Snake NE

8 Pseudoboodon lemniscatus Banded Snake E LC1 Species designated as part of A. regularis / A. asmarae hybrid complex (Largen and Spawls, 2010) 2 Not designated at species level due to the morphological ambiguity of these two sympatric species.3 Species pending verification


13

MammalsVan Opstal M., Oosterlynck B., Erens J., Adino W., De Beenhouwer M.

Knowledge of the presence of large mammals in the Sheka biosphere reserve was up to now limited to opportunistic observations and structured interviews with elders of the communities within Masha wo-reda (e.g. Arthur Albertson Consulting, 2010). During this survey however, the community of medium to large mammals in the Sheka biosphere reserve was monitored with 16 camera traps on 28 different locations from February to April 2016 for a total of approximately 510 camera trap days (Fig. 2). Ca-mera traps were set in a diverse set of different habitats, including water edges, riverine forest, broadleaf forest, wetlands, bamboo forest and moorland. Opportunistic observations, most often monkeys and rodents, were also recorded during fieldwork.

A camera trap mammal datasheet is available on request indicating presence and relative abundance of the different species across the biosphere reserve and within the different core zones.

A total of 25 mammal species were recorded. Seven species were only observed visually, whereas 10 other species were observed visually and captured on camera traps. A third group of species was only observed with camera traps (8 species; Table 3). One species (Spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta) was ob-served only by its spoor, yet neither visually nor with camera traps. Therefore, this species is not added to the species list (Table 3). Mammals were identified using the Kingdon field guide to African mam-mals (Kingdon, 2012) and more recent literature (e.g. Lavrenchenko et al., 2014).

Table 3. Mammal species identified inside the Sheka Biosphere reserve. CT = Camera trap observation, OO = Opportunistic observation. ‘N’ indicates that the species was not yet known for the area and ‘E’ indicates that the species or subspecies is endemic for the Horn of Africa. IUCN status according to the IUCN up-dated list at www.iucnredlist.org, accessed on 01/06/2016, LC = Least concern, NT = Near threatened, VU = Vulnerable and EN = Endangered.

N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN1 Muriculus imberbis Wurch mouse OO N + E LC2 Tachyoryctes splendens s.l. Ethiopian root rat OO E1 LC3 Stenocephalemys albipes Ethiopian White-footed mouse OO E LC4 Genetta tigrina Blotched genet CT, OO LC5 Civettictis civetta African civet CT LC6 Ichneumia albicauda White-tailed mongoose CT, OO LC7 Atilax paludinosus Marsh mongoose CT LC8 Galerella sanguinea Slender-tailed mongoose CT LC9 Herpestes ichneumon Egyptian mongoose OO LC

10 Mellivora capensis Honey badger CT LC11 Heterohyrax brucei Yellow-spotted hyrax CT LC12 Panthera pardus Leopard CT NT13 Aonyx capensis African clawless otter OO NT



N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN14 Sylvicapra grimmia Bush duiker CT, OO LC15 Tragelaphus scriptus Bushbuck CT, OO LC16 Potamochoerus larvatus Bushpig CT LC17 Phacochoerus africanus Warthog OO LC18 Hystrix cristata Crested porcupine CT LC19 Papio Anubis Olive baboon CT, OO LC

20 Colobus guereza guerezaEastern Black-and-white Colobus monkey

CT, OO E2 LC

21 Cercopithecus neglectus De Brazza’s monkey CT, OO LC

22Cercopithecus mitis ssp. Boutourlinii

Blue Monkey CT, OO E2 VU

23Chlorocebus aethiops matschei

Grivet Monkey CT, OO E3 LC

24 Galago senegalensis Lesser bushbaby OO LC25 Heliosciurus gambianus Gambian sun squirrel OO LC

1 Lavrenchenko et al., 2014; 2 Endemic subspecies; 3 Endemic to the Horn of Africa

Fig. 2. Map showing the proposed zoning into different management zones within the Sheka Biosphere reserve (Data used from UNESCO Nomination form, 2011). White dots indicate the camera trapping locations across the reserve.


15

BirdsOosterlynck B., Van Opstal M., Erens J., Tsjegitu M., Adino W., De Beenhouwer M.

Birds were identified using visual, vocal and camera trap observations. Birds were assessed during early morning point transect surveys and on an ad hoc basis throughout the expedition. One early morning point transect surveys consisted of six ten minute counts interspersed by five minutes of walking. All birds seen and heard within an approximate perimeter of 25 meters around the observer were noted. Bird species seen within the Sheka Biosphere reserve are listed below (Table 4). Birds were identified using the Helm field guide “Birds of the Horn of Africa” (Redman et al., 2009).

A bird species datasheet is available on request indicating presence and relative abundance of the diffe-rent species across the biosphere reserve and within the different core zones.

Table 4. Bird species identified inside Sheka Biosphere reserve. OO = Opportunistic observation, PT = Point transect observation, CT = Camera trap observation. ‘N’ indicates that the species was not yet known for the area, ‘E’ indicates that the species is endemic for the Horn of Africa. IUCN status according to the IUCN updated list at www.iucnredlist.org, accessed on 01/05/2016, LC = Least Concern, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered, CR = Critically Endangered.

N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN1 Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe PT LC2 Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant PT LC3 Anhinga rufa African Darter PT LC4 Podica senegalensis African Finfoot PT LC5 Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron OO LC6 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret OO LC7 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron OO LC8 Butorides striata Striated Heron OO LC9 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron PT LC

10 Ardea melanocephala Black-headed Heron OO LC11 Ciconia ciconia White Stork OO LC12 Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked Stork PT LC13 Ciconia abdimii Abdim’s Stork OO LC14 Anastomus lamelligerus African Openbill OO N LC15 Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabou Stork OO LC16 Bostrychia hagedash Hadada Ibis PT LC17 Bostrychia carunculata Wattled Ibis PT E LC18 Plectropterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose OO N LC19 Alopochen aegyptiaca Egyptian Goose PT LC20 Anas undulata Yellow-billed Duck PT LC



N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN21 Anas sparsa African Black Duck OO LC22 Anas crecca Eurasian teal OO LC23 Milvus migrans Black Kite OO LC24 Milvus (migrans) aegyptius Yellow-billed Kite PT LC25 Haliaeetus vocifer African Fish-Eagle OO LC26 Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture PT CR27 Trigonoceps occipitalis White-headed Vulture PT CR28 Torgos tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture OO EN29 Gyps africanus White-backed Vulture OO CR30 Gyps rueppellii Rüppell’s Vulture OO CR31 Circaetus cinereus Brown Snake-Eagle OO LC32 Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk PT LC33 Accipiter rufiventris Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk OO N LC34 Accipiter minullus Little Sparrowhawk OO LC35 Accipiter melanoleucus Great Sparrowhawk OO LC36 Aviceda cuculoides African Cuckoo-Hawk OO N LC37 Polyboroides typus African Harrier-Hawk PT LC38 Pernis apivorus European Honey-buzzard OO LC39 Buteo augur Augur Buzzard PT LC40 Buteo buteo Common Buzzard OO LC41 Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard OO LC42 Clanga pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle OO LC43 Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle PT LC44 Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle OO EN45 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle OO LC46 Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres's Hawk-Eagle OO LC47 Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur OO NT48 Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Eagle PT LC49 Polemaetus bellicosus Martial Eagle OO VU50 Stephanoaetus coronatus African Crowned Eagle OO NT51 Falco ardosiaceus Grey Kestrel OO LC52 Falco cuvierii African Hobby OO LC53 Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby OO LC54 Pternistis squamatus Scaly Francolin CT LC55 Pternistis castaneicollis Chestnut-naped Francolin OO E LC56 Sarothrura elegans Buff-spotted Flufftail OO N LC57 Sarothrura rufa Red-chested Flufftail PT N LC


17

N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN58 Amaurornis flavirostra Black crake PT N LC59 Rougetius rougetii Rouget’s Rail PT E NT60 Rallus caerulescens African Rail PT N LC61 Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen OO LC62 Balearica pavonina Black Crowned Crane OO VU63 Actophilornis africanus African Jacana OO LC64 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper OO LC65 Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper OO LC66 Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper OO LC67 Gallinago nigripennis African Snipe PT LC68 Treron calvus African Green Pigeon PT LC69 Treron waalia Bruce’s Pigeon PT LC70 Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon PT LC71 Columba arquatrix African Olive Pigeon PT LC72 Turtur afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove OO LC73 Turtur tympanistria Tambourine Dove PT LC74 Streptopelia vinacea Vinaceous Dove PT LC75 Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove PT LC76 Streptopelia lugens Dusky Turtle Dove PT LC77 Aplopelia larvata Lemon Dove CT LC78 Poicephalus flavifrons Yellow-fronted Parrot PT E LC79 Agapornis taranta Black-winged Lovebird PT E LC80 Tauraco leucotis White-cheeked Turaco PT LC81 Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo OO LC82 Cuculus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo PT LC83 Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo PT LC84 Chrysococcyx klaas Klaas’s Cuckoo PT LC85 Chrysococcyx cupreus African Emerald Cuckoo PT LC86 Centropus senegalensis Senegal Coucal PT LC87 Centropus monachus Blue-headed Coucal PT LC88 Strix woodfordii African Wood Owl OO LC89 Bubo cinerascens Greyish Eagle-Owl OO LC90 Tachymarptis melba Alpine Swift PT LC91 Apus apus Common Swift PT LC92 Apus niansae Nyanza Swift PT LC93 Colius striatus Speckled Mousebird PT LC94 Apaloderma narina Narina Trogon PT LC


N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN95 Ceryle rudis Pied kingfisher PT LC96 Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher PT LC97 Halcyon senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher PT LC98 Halcyon malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher PT N LC99 Halcyon chelicuti Striped Kingfisher OO LC

100 Alcedo semitorquata Half-collared Kingfisher PT LC101 Alcedo cristata Malachite Kingfisher PT LC102 Ispidina picta Pygmy Kingfisher OO N LC103 Merops pusillus Little Bee-eater OO LC104 Merops (variegatus) lafresnayii Blue-breasted Bee-eater OO LC105 Merops apiaster Euopean Bee-eater PT LC106 Merops albicollis White-throated Bee-eater PT LC107 Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller PT LC108 Tockus alboterminatus Crowned Hornbill PT LC109 Bycanistes brevis Silvery-cheeked Hornbill PT LC110 Bucorvus abyssinicus Abyssinian Ground-hornbill OO LC111 Pogoniulus chrysoconus Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird PT LC112 Pogoniulus pusillus Red-fronted Tinkerbird PT LC113 Lybius bidentatus Double-toothed Barbet OO LC114 Lybius undatus leucogenys Bandet Barbet OO E LC115 Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide PT LC116 Indicator variegatus Scaly-throated Honeyguide PT LC117 Indicator minor Lesser Honeyguide OO LC118 Prodotiscus zambesiae Green-backed Honeybird OO LC119 Jynx torquilla Eurasian Wryneck OO LC120 Campethera nubica Nubian Woodpecker PT LC121 Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker PT LC122 Dendropicos abyssinicus Abyssinian Woodpecker PT E LC123 Dendropicos spodocephalus Grey-headed Woodpecker OO LC124 Ptyonoprogne fuligula Rock Martin PT LC125 Riparia paludicola schoensis Plain Martin OO LC126 Delichon urbicum Common House Martin PT LC127 Cecropsis daurica Red-rumped Swallow PT LC128 Cecropsis senegalensis Mosque Swallow PT LC129 Cecropsis abyssinica Lesser Striped Swallow OO LC130 Pseudhirundo griseopyga Grey-rumped Swallow OO LC131 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow PT LC


19

N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN132 Hirundo lucida Red-chested Swallow PT LC133 Hirundo smithii Wire-tailed Swallow PT LC134 Hirundo aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow OO LC135 Psalidoprocne pristoptera Black Saw-wing PT LC136 Motacilla flava (flava) Yellow Wagtail PT LC137 Motacilla aguimp African Pied Wagtail PT LC138 Motacilla clara Mountain Wagtail PT LC139 Motacilla alba White Wagtail OO LC140 Anthus cinnamomeus Grassland Pipit OO LC141 Anthus leucophrys omoensis Plain-backed Pipit OO LC142 Anthus similis Long-billed pipit OO LC143 Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit PT LC144 Anthus trivialis Tree pipit OO LC145 Campephaga phoencea Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike PT LC146 Coracina caesia Grey Cuckooshrike OO LC147 Pycnonotus barbatus schoanus Common bulbul PT LC148 Chlorcichla flavicollis Yellow-throated Leaflove PT LC149 Cossypha semirufa Rüppell's Robin-Chat PT LC150 Cossypha heuglini White-browed Robin-Chat OO LC151 Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common Redstart PT LC152 Saxicola (torquatus) torquatus African Stonechat PT LC153 Saxicola rubetra Whinchat OO LC154 Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear OO LC155 Cercomela sordida Moorland Chat PT LC156 Psophocichla litsitsirupa Groundscraper Thrush PT LC157 Monticola saxatilis Common Rock Thrush OO LC158 Turdus (olivaceus) abyssiniceus Mountain Thrush PT LC159 Turdus pelios African Thrush OO LC160 Zoothera piaggiae Abyssinian Ground Thrush PT LC161 Bradypterus baboecala Little Rush Warbler PT N LC162 Bradypterus cinnamomeus Cinnamon Bracken Warbler PT LC163 Bradypterus alfredi Bamboo Warbler PT N LC164 Acrocephalus baeticatus African Reed Warbler PT LC165 Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler OO LC166 Chloropeta natalensis Dark Capped Yellow Warbler PT LC167 Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera PT LC168 Eremomela canescens Green-backed Eremomela OO LC


N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN169 Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler PT LC170 Phylloscopus collybita Common Chiffchaff PT LC171 Phylloscopus umbrovirens Brown Woodland Warbler PT LC172 Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap PT LC173 Sylvia borin Garden Warbler PT LC174 Cisticola robustus omo Stout Cisticola OO LC175 Cisticola (galactotes) lugubris Ethiopian Cisticola PT E LC176 Cisticola erythrops Red-faced Cisticola OO LC177 Cisticola cantans Singing Cisticola PT LC178 Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia PT LC179 Apalis flavida Yellow-breasted Apalis PT LC180 Melaenornis chocolatinus Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher PT E LC181 Melaenornis edolioides Northern Black Flycatcher OO LC182 Bradornis microrhynchus African Grey Flycatcher OO LC183 Bradornis pallidus Pale Flycatcher OO LC184 Muscicapa adusta African Dusky Flycatcher PT LC185 Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher OO LC186 Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher PT LC187 Myioparus plumbeus Lead-coloured Flycatcher PT LC188 Batis erlangeri Western Black-headed Batis PT LC189 Platysteira cyanea Brown-throated Wattle-eye PT LC190 Pseudoalcippe abyssinica African Hill Babbler PT LC191 Turdoides leucopygia White-rumped Babbler PT LC192 Parophasma galinieri Abyssinian Catbird PT E LC193 Zosterops poliogastrus kaffensis Montane White-eye PT LC194 Zosterops abyssinicus Abyssinian White-eye PT LC195 Nectarinia tacazze Tacazze Sunbird PT LC196 Cinnyris cupreus Copper Sunbird PT LC197 Cinnyris venustus fazoqlensis Variable Sunbird PT LC198 Cinnyris chloropygius Olive-bellied sunbird OO N LC199 Chalcomitra senegalensis Scarlet-chested Sunbird PT LC200 Cyanomitra olivacea ragazzii Olive Sunbird PT LC201 Lanius humeralis Northern Fiscal PT LC202 Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike OO N LC203 Lanius collurio/isabellinus Red-backed/Isabelline Shrike PT LC204 Laniarius aethiopicus Ethiopian Boubou PT LC205 Dryoscopus cubla Northern Puffback PT LC


21

N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN206 Tchagra senegalensis Black-crowned Tchagra OO LC207 Oriolus oriolus Eurasian oriole PT LC208 Oriolus larvatus rolleti Black-headed Oriole PT LC209 Oriolus monacha meneliki Abyssinian Oriole PT E LC210 Corvus capensis Cape crow PT LC211 Corvus rhipidurus Fan-tailed Raven OO LC212 Corvus crassirostris Thick-billed Raven PT E LC213 Buphagus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Oxpecker OO LC214 Poeoptera stuhlmanni Stuhlmann's Starling PT LC215 Onychognathus morio Red-winged Starling OO LC216 Onychognathus tenuirostris Slender-billed Starling PT LC217 Lamprotornis chloropterus Lesser Blue-eard Starling OO LC218 Lamprotornis chalybaeus Greater Blue-eared Starling PT LC219 Lamprotornis splendidus Splendid Starling PT LC220 Lamprotornis purpuroptera Rüppell's starling PT LC221 Pholia sharpii Sharpe's Starling PT LC222 Passer swainsonii Swainson's Sparrow PT LC223 Ploceus cucullatus abyssinicus Village Weaver PT LC224 Ploceus ocularis Spectacled Weaver PT LC225 Ploceus nigricollis Black-necked weaver OO N LC226 Ploceus luteolus Little Weaver OO LC227 Ploceus baglafecht Baglafecht Weaver PT LC228 Amblyospiza albifrons Grosbeak Weaver PT LC229 Anomalospiza imberbis Cuckoo Finch OO N LC230 Anaplectes rubriceps Red-headed Weaver OO LC231 Euplectes axillaris Fan-tailed Widowbird PT LC232 Euplectes albonotatus White-winged widowbird PT LC233 Mandingoa nitidula Green Twinspot OO N LC234 Cryptospiza salvadorii Abyssinian Crimsonwing PT LC235 Lagonosticta senegala Red-billed Firefinch PT LC236 Coccopygia quartinia Yellow-bellied Waxbill PT LC237 Estrilda astrild peasei Common Waxbill PT LC238 Estrilda (paludicola) ochrogaster Abyssinian Waxbill OO LC239 Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin OO LC240 Spermestes bicolor poensis Black-and-white Mannikin PT LC241 Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah OO LC242 Vidua chalybeata Village Indigobird OO LC


N° Species Vernacular name ID N / E IUCN243 Serinus mozambicus Yellow-fronted Canary OO LC244 Serinus citrinelloides African Citril PT LC245 Serinus tristriatus Brown-rumped Seedeater PT LC246 Serinus striolatus Streaky Seedeater PT LC


23

ButterfliesMertens J.

Invertebrates are known to be understudied worldwide, and this is certainly the case for Ethiopia. But-terfly (Rhopalocera and Hesperiidae) diversity, for example, currently reaches 353 species in Ethiopia. This is indeed a low number compared to neighboring countries in East Africa (e.g. Kenya: 859 spp., Uganda: 1149 spp., Tanzania: 1300 spp.) (Sáfián et al., 2009). Although this enigmatic species group merits a thorough inventory of the whole area, butterfly diversity was assessed only opportunistically over the course of the expedition. Identification of the species was conducted afterwards based on in-situ photographs of live specimens. A butterfly net was used to catch the more agile species in order to increase the chance of identification. As there is no modern identification guide for butterflies of the Horn of Africa, the species list of the African Butterfly Database (Sáfián et al. 2009) was used as templa-te to create our own picture-based guide.

Table 4. Butterfly species identified from pictures taken in Sheka forest. This list is far from complete; all Lycaenidae are missing as well as many species that are harder to identify on the provided images.

N° Species N° Species1 Chondrolepis niveicornis niveicornis 26 Gnophodes betsimena parmeno2 Coeliades forestan forestan 27 Junonia ansorgei 3 Eagris denuba obliterata 28 Junonia sofia infracta4 Eretis lugens 29 Junonia westermanni westermanni5 Metisella midas 30 Neptis serena serena6 Acraea acerata 31 Protogoniomorpha parhassus 7 Acraea alicia 32 Protogoniomorpha temora temora8 Acraea aurivillii / alciope 33 Pseudacraea eurytus mimoras9 Acraea bonasia banksii 34 Sevenia boisduvali kaffana

10 Acraea insignis insignis 35 Sevenia occidentalium occidentalium11 Acraea orinata 36 Tirumala formosa neumanni12 Acraea parhassia sevonia 37 Vanessa abyssinica abyssinica13 Acraea peneleos 38 Graphium antheus

14 Acraea safie antinorii 39 Papilio arnoldiana

15 Acraea ungemachi 40 Papilio dardanus 16 Acraea ventura 41 Papilio demodocus 17 Antanartia schaeneia diluta 42 Papilio microps 18 Argynnis hyperbius neumanni 43 Papilio nireus 19 Aterica galene incisa 44 Belenois creona creona20 Charaxes candiope 45 Belenois raffrayi raffrayi21 Charaxes etheocles 46 Belenois thysa tricolor22 Charaxes junius junius 47 Belenois zochalia 23 Cyrestis camillus camillus 48 Eurema hecabe solifera24 Danaus chrysippus alcippus 49 Nepheronia thalassina sinalata25 Euphaedra sarita abyssinica


OrchidsDe Beenhouwer M., Erens J.

Epiphytic orchid diversity in Southwest Ethiopia is expected to decline as habitat conversion towards coffee production forests intensifies, although associated changes in orchid community composition remain uncertain (Hundera et al., 2013; De Beenhouwer et al., 2015a). Based on the plant inventory made by Woldemariam & Fetene (2007), only two epiphytic orchid species are recorded for this area. We assessed epiphytic orchid diversity in the Sheka forest region through opportunistic observations (Table 5). Species were identified with the Field guide to Ethiopian orchids (Demissew et al., 2004), and identification was predominantly based on leaf and stem characteristics in absence of developed flowers at the end of the dry season. If registered outside the known distribution (on provincial level) for Demissew et al. (2004), the species was recorded as ‘New’.

Table 5. Orchid species identified inside the Sheka forest biosphere reserve. ‘New’ indicates that the spe-cies was not yet known for the area, ‘End’ indicates that the species is endemic for Ethiopia. IUCN conser-vation status is not indicated as none of the identified species have currently been assessed.

N° Species New/End1 Aerangis brachycarpa2 Aerangis luteo-alba New3 Bulbophyllum intertextum4 Bulbophyllum josephi5 Cyrtorchis arcuata New6 Diaphananthe candida7 Diaphananthe rohrii8 Microcoelia globulosa9 Polystachya bennettiana

10 Polystachya cultriformis11 Polystachya eurychila12 Polystachya rivae13 Polystachya simplex14 Polystachya steudneri15 Polystachya tessellata16 Rhipidoglossum adoxum17 Rhipidoglossum tenuicalcar18 Stolzia grandiflora End19 Stolzia repens


25

The biodiversity surveys have resulted in approximately 40 nights of amphibian surveying, 74 bird surveys, 514 days of cumulative camera trapping and 88 days of general field sampling (opportunistic observations).

Provisionally, 246 bird species, 21 amphibian species and 25 mammal species were found during the surveys, of which respectively 17, 7 and 1 were new for the area. The Sheka biosphere reserve still contains substantial coverage of natural forest. These Afromontane forests, ranging from broadleaf to bamboo forest, are associated with a unique biodiversity characterized by many endemic species res-tricted to the Horn of Africa, to Ethiopia, or even to the Southwest of Ethiopia. However, natural forest is increasingly being fragmented into a mosaic of disturbed forest patches in the region (Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007). Our study nevertheless indicates that the diversity of habitats adds to the total biodi-versity in the area; where large numbers of typical forest species were observed inside the core zones, many other more common species could be found in the buffer and transition zones (Fig. 1). Of the bird species found during our fieldwork, approximately 20% was only found in the core zones, whereas 22% was only found in transition zones. For amphibians, the two new Leptopelis spp., that remain to be identified, were only found in the core zones. These findings therefore already indicate the importance of the designated network of core zones to act as safe havens for biodiversity within the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve.

-- Birds --

Of the 246 bird species recorded for the reserve, twelve species are considered endemic to the Horn of Africa. All of these endemics were encountered regularly within suitable habitat. Two other endemic species, expected to occur in the reserve based on IUCN distribution maps, were not found (Macronyx flavicollis and Cyanochen cyanoptera). Still, these species might be seasonally present. More extensive surveys, specifically in the highland moorlands in the East of Anderacha woreda might indicate the continued presence of these two species.

Several bird species were recorded for the Sheka zone, which were not known for this area or altitude in Ethiopia yet. African Pygmy kingfisher (Ispidina picta), for example, was recorded at 2250 m asl in this study. Twenty other bird species were shown to have a wider altitudinal or geographic range than previously known for Ethiopia (Appendix 1). Also, several species were found in the reserve with very restricted ranges in Ethiopia. Although these species are not considered threatened on the international red list, they might be threatened with extinction within Ethiopia. These species are added as RR (range restricted) in Appendix 1. Species of specific conservation value within Ethiopia include two species of flufftail (buff-spotted and red-chested), bamboo warbler, blue-breasted kingfisher, cuckoo finch and olive-bellied sunbird, all of which were restricted to the proposed core zones in the reserve (except for the sunbird).

Eleven bird species, of which nine raptor species, were recorded which are threatened on the IUCN red list (Table 4). Of these eleven bird species, four are considered critically endangered (4 vulture species), 2 are considered endangered (1 vulture and one eagle species), 2 are considered vulnerable (one eagle and one crane species) and 3 are considered near threatened (two eagle and one rail species). Except for the Steppe eagle, which was only found on migration, all threatened species are shown to be, at least

4 Results


seasonally, present within the reserve. This emphasizes the importance of the reserve for globally thre-atened bird species, and raptors and vultures in specific.

-- Amphibians --

With at least 21 species, the reserve is shown to have a high amphibian diversity. Moreover, the ma-jority of species were shown to be present in different (sub)populations within the reserve. Different amphibian species showed a considerable geographic range extension (e.g. Afrixalus quadrivittatus). In some cases, moreover, Sheka is one of the few locations in Ethiopia where this particular species can still be found (e.g. Afrixalus clarkei). Several amphibian species that were recorded are considered threatened on the IUCN red list. These observations not only indicate the importance of the reserve for amphibian conservation, but also the poor research attention dedicated to the Sheka region up to now. Due to the lack of research, two Leptopelis species that were found could not be assigned with certainty up to species level. Considering the high endemicity and site specificity of Ethiopian Leptopelis species in general (Mengistu, 2012), molecular evidence could still reveal interesting discoveries here.

Our survey was limited to the dry season and short rainy season, which strongly suggests that the diver-sity of this group will be even higher when research can be done at other times of the year (especially during the extensive rainy season). Particularly burrowing species, such as the endemic Sylvacaecilia grandisonae (Data Defficient) may have been present but overlooked.

-- Mammals --

Twenty-five species of mammals were indicated for the reserve, of which several are endemic (Table 2). Despite that we did not assess the diversity of rodents, three species were encountered opportunistically and identified based on the newest available literature. Twenty-two species of medium to large-sized mammals were indicated for the reserve, of which several species are considered threatened on the IUCN red list. The leopard and African clawless otter are both considered near threatened, whereas the endemic subspecies of blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) is considered vulnerable. One species of monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops matschei) was found in the lowland coffee forest but also in the highland bamboo forest (up to 2700 m asl). In this latter habitat however, this species was considerably more shy, stouter built and had a shorter tail. This strongly suggests that hybrids with Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) still occur regularly here in the highland bamboo zone. The Gambian sun squirrel (Heliosciurius gambianus) was recorded for the Sheka zone at 2300 m asl, although its upper elevation limit is reported to be 2000 m asl (Grubb & Ekué, 2008).

Several large mammal species were expected to be in the reserve though were not observed during our study. Interviews with local elders suggest that species such as Serval (Leptailurus serval), Forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) and Lion (Panthera leo) might occur in the area. It is recommended to enlarge the sampling effort to assess if these animals might (still) be present. It is also noticed that Giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) was not observed despite being present in neighboring forests (De Beenhouwer et al., 2015b). Interviewees indeed pointed out that only Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) and Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) occur in the area.


27

This biodiversity survey of the Sheka biosphere reserve revealed a high species richness and confirmed the presence of several forest related species endemic to Ethiopia. Many of these species are threate-ned on the IUCN red list. Some of the more remarkable were the endemic Bitis parviocula, and the endangered Afrixalus clarkei. To safeguard the endemic amphibian species in the region (especially Leptopelis spp.) and typical forest bird species (e.g. Sarothrura elegans) the establishment, monitoring and conservation of the currently designated core zones will be especially crucial. The globally threate-ned and/or endemic species identified during our study not only emphasize the biological importance of this region, but also indicate the functionality of the delineated core zones regarding biodiversity conservation. The variety of habitats, elevation and climatic differences that are present within the different designated core zones add up to an exceptionally rich biodiversity. Areas of specific scientific (and ecotourism) interest include the broadleaf forest and marshes bordering the Baro River in Masha woreda and the highland bamboo forest and moorlands in Anderacha woreda. It is therefore strongly recommended to extend current core zones to include fragile areas. Most importantly at the Shato core zone, it is crucial to include the riverine forest and wetlands bordering the Baro River into the delinea-ted core zone to safeguard a specific set of species.

The absence of proof for several large mammals was remarkable. In particular forest buffalo (S. caffer nanus), a species that is known to occur in the more remote forest patches in Southwest Ethiopia (e.g. De Beenhouwer et al., 2015b), was not found on camera traps, nor observed by its spoor. Local people confirmed the continued presence of forest buffalo both in Shato forest and Gandochi area, though they stated that populations have seen steady declines over the years, accelerated by the establishment of large-scale plantations and increased poaching (see also Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007). A specific study on the threats, distribution and population estimate of the forest buffalo is highly recommended to increase the long-term survival of this species within the biosphere reserve. More resources will be needed to control for poaching events, and even then, this species is not certain to survive as they sea-sonally migrate across the Baro River into Oromia region (Interview kebele leaders).

Besides the unique biodiversity that can be found in this area, there are strong indications that the She-ka biosphere reserve provides important ecosystem services far beyond its boundaries. Regarding water provisioning, for example, it is known that Sheka forest presents the main tributary for the Baro River providing an important water source for the Gambela region and beyond. During the rainy season in specific (between June and October) the Baro River alone contributes about 10% of the water of the Egyptian Nile (Collins & Robert, 2000). Being part of the largest forest remaining in the country, mo-reover, it is legitimate to say that Sheka forest is also crucial for carbon storage, and buffering the effects of climate change. Additionally, the forest has been a long-term source of both timber and non-timber forest products, significantly increasing the livelihood of local people.

The forest does also provide an important refuge for the genetic diversity of different wild crop relatives (with possible important agricultural applications in the near future). The most important example is the indigenous wild coffee (C. arabica), which can still be found in reasonable densities in the broadleaf forest of Sheka, but also other crop wild relatives such as false banana (E. ventricosum) and false car-damom (A. cororima). All combined, there are strong incentives to safeguard this forest also from an economic and agricultural perspective (Aerts et al., 2015; De Beenhouwer et al., 2013).

5 Discussion


Human disturbance and agricultural activities in the study area have transformed the forest to a lands-cape mosaic of forest, agroforest and non-forest habitats. Unfortunately, human encroachment into the forest core zones is occurring from villagers around the forest, not respecting the core zone boun-daries set up by the local government in cooperation with MELCA, and under the form of land leasing by the government to private investors for tea and coffee cultivation (Pers. Obs.; Woldemariam & Fetene, 2007). With increasing global coffee market, the lack of urban planning and the rising influx of people into the forested highlands, we expect that forest encroachment and deforestation will continue to increase. The successful implementation of the core zones as important priority areas for conserva-tion will therefore provide a very important step towards the long-term sustainability of natural forest in Sheka, successfully conserving the many species characteristic of the Ethiopian Afromontane rain-forest. Empowering local communities to claim ownership over their ancient lands, as MELCA is cur-rently doing, could prove a fruitful conservation strategy as it is shown that the Kobo community fo-restry is a healthy forest management strategy from a biodiversity point of view. Still, the resources that are currently available to guarantee decent protection of Sheka Forest Biosphere reserve are far from sufficient. Resources should not only come from government and civil society organizations, though can also be obtained through developing ecotourism and using the cooperatives for the (certified) sale of forest products (e.g. Honey). Increased attention by scientists to monitor the number of species and assess how populations of species change over time, will provide more insight in how these core zones can be seen as real biodiversity strongholds within an increasingly fragmented landscape.


29

Aerts, R., Berecha, G., Honnay, O., 2015. Protecting coffee from intensification. Science 347, 139.

Collins, Robert O., 2002. The Nile. Yale University Press. p. 81.

De Beenhouwer, M., Aerts, R., Honnay, O., 2013. A global meta-analysis of the biodiversity and ecosystem ser-vice benefits of coffee and cacao agroforestry. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 175, 1-7.

De Beenhouwer, M., Aerts, R., Hundera, K., Van Overtveldt, K., Honnay, O., 2015a. Management intensification in Ethiopian coffee forests is associated with crown habitat contraction and loss of specialized epiphytic orchid species. Basic and Applied Ecology 16, 592–600.

De Beenhouwer M., Mertens J., Geeraert, L., and Jocqué, M., 2015b. Express Biodiversity Survey in Belete Gera forest, Ethiopia. BINCO Express Report 4. Biodiversity Inventory for Conservation. Glabbeek, Belgium, 24 pp.

Demissew, S., Cribb, P., Rasmussen, F., 2004. Field guide to Ethiopian orchids. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. 300 pp.

FAO, 2010. Food and Agricultural Organization. Global Forest Resources Assesment 163, 378 pp.

Friis, 1992. Forests and forest trees of northeast tropical Africa – their natural habitats and distribution patterns in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia. Kew Bulletin 15, 1-396.

Grubb, P., Ekué, M.R.M., 2008. Heliosciurus gambianus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T9830A13018910.

Hundera, K., Aerts, R., De Beenhouwer, M., Van Overtveld, K., Helsen, K., Muys, B., Honnay, O., 2013. Both fo-rest fragmentation and coffee cultivation negatively affect epiphytic orchid diversity in Ethiopian moist evergreen Afromontane forests. Biological Conservation 159, 285-291.

Kingdon, J., 1997. The Kingdon field guide to African mammals. Black Publishers Ltd., London, UK, 476 pp.

Largen, M.J., 2001. Catalogue of the amphibians of Ethiopia, including a key for their identification. Tropical Zoology 14, 307-402.

Largen, M. J., Spawls S., 2010. Amphibians and Reptiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Frankfurt am Main: Edition Chimaira.

Lavrenchenko L.A., Mengistu, S., Bulatova, N.S., Bekele, A., Potapov, S.G., Nadjafov, R.S., Belay G., 2014. Genetic and cytogenetic variation of African root-rats Tachyoryctes splendens (Mammalia: Rodentia) from Ethiopia. Russian Journal of Theriology 13, 109-118.

Mengistu, A.A., 2012. Amphibian diversity, distribution and conservation in the Ethiopian highlands: morpho-logical, molecular and biogeographic investigation on Leptopelis and Ptychadena (Anura). PhD Tesis, University of Basel, Switzerland, 204 pp.

Mertens, J., Jocque, M., Geeraert, L., De Beenhouwer, M., 2016. Newly discovered populations of the Ethiopian endemic and endangered Afrixalus clarkei LARGEN, implications for conservation. Zookeys 565, 141-146.

6 References


Mittermeier, R.A., Gil, P.R., Hoffmann, M., Pilgrim, J., Brooks, T., Mittermeier, C.G. et al., 2004. Hotspots revi-sited: Earth’s biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial ecoregions. Conservation International, pp. 241–273.

Redman, N., Stevenson, T., Fanshawe, J., 2009. Birds of the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Socotra. Princeton field guides, 495 pp.

Sáfián Sz., Collins, S.C., Kormos, B. Siklósi, A., 2009. African Butterfly Database version 1.0 – www.abdb-africa.org (accessed 26.02.15).

Woldemariam, T., Fetene, M., 2007. Forests of Sheka: Ecological, social, legal and economic dimensions of recent land use/land cover changes, overview and synthesis. In: Forests of Sheka: Multidisciplinary Case Studies on Impacts of Land use/Land cover Changes, Southwest Ethiopia (Ed.: Fetene, M.). Melca-Mahiber, Addis Ababa, p. 1-81.


31

Appendix 1. Bird and mammal species showing considerable altitudinal extensions within Ethiopia. Refe-rence altitude and range obtained from Redman et al. (2009) for birds and from IUCN red list for mammals.

N° Species Vernacular nameReference

altitudeAltitude

ShekaRange res-

tricted?1 Circaetus cinereus Brown Snake-Eagle 2000 23002 Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo 1800 22503 Campephaga phoencea Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike 1900 25004 Treron calvus African Green Pigeon 2000 2300 RR5 Bradornis pallidus Pale Flycatcher 2100 22506 Bradypterus baboecala Little Rush Warbler 2100 22007 Bradypterus alfredi Bamboo Warbler 1250 2400 RR8 Sarothrura elegans Buff-spotted Flufftail 2200 2550 RR9 Amaurornis flavirostra Black crake 1800 2400

10 Rallus caerulescens African Rail 2000 220011 Eremomela canescens Green-backed Eremomela 2000 235012 Apalis flavida Yellow-breasted Apalis 1950 235013 Mandingoa nitidula Green Twinspot 1800 2200 RR14 Chlorcichla flavicollis Yellow-throated Leaflove 2000 245015 Halcyon malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher 1400 1750 RR16 Halcyon senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher 1500 175017 Ispidina picta African Pygmy Kingfisher 1500 225018 Dryoscopus cubla Northern Puffback 1900 260019 Campethera nubica Nubian Woodpecker 2100 220020 Merops pusillus Little bee-eater 1600 170021 Ploceus ocularis Spectacled Weaver 1900 2200

Biodiversity Express Survey Sheka biosphere reserve · The Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve in Southwest Ethiopia lies within the Eastern Afromonta-ne Biodiversity Hotspot and comprises

Documents