Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros) Case Study
Home > Biodiversity Nature & People > Conservation Philanthropy > Grants > MBZF Grant 222530186
Continent: Africa
Country: Ethiopia
Grant Amount: $10,000
Awarded Date: July 01, 2023
Tariku Mekonnen Gutema
Threatened Species Conservation Organization
Jimma, Ethiopia
Jimma
Oromia
307
Ethiopia
Tel: +251966245054
Mob:
Saving the endangered Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros) in Gambella, Ethiopia through community-based conservation
It is essential to understand the distribution, habitat use, as well as the attitudes and knowledge of the local community toward wildlife, in order to create and implement conservation management initiatives. This could enhance human-wildlife relationships and wildlife conservation. The rare and endangered Nile lechwe antelope is found in Ethiopia only (the Gambella region), and South Sudan (the Sudd wetlands, and the surrounding marshes). In Ethiopia, it is restricted to Alwero (Duma) wetland. The researchers used direct field survey, questionnaires, and focal group discussions to gather data from the study sites and local households in Gambella, Southwest Ethiopia, between February and June 2023. In addition, the researchers investigated the distribution, threats and the main elements influencing local communities’ attitudes toward the Endangered Nile Lechwe (Kobus Megaceros) by using a mixed analysis technique. The researchers confirmed that Nile lechwe is restricted to specific sites, the Alwero wetland (49 km2) in Gambella. The estimated population of Nile lechwe in Alwero wetland was 200-300 individuals. Habitat loss and poaching were the major threats identified; the communities's attitudes regarding Nile lechwe were 86% positive (129, N = 150), and 12% negative. Respondents with positive attitudes towards Nile lechwe’s associated them mainly with its contribution as economic value (through tourism). Respondents wih negative attitude linked them to the effects of conservation, on the direct use of Nile lechwe (for bush meat), and effect on the grazing land use. The study confirmed that the Alwero wetland is the only habitat for Nile lechwe and other species like Shoebill. The reserachers strongly suggest that increasing the awareness of the community toward Nile lechwe, and Alwero wetland conservation is indispensable.
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