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In this study, we investigated species composition and abundance of small mammals (rodents and insectivores) in the recently established Chebera Churchura National Park, in Ethiopia between 2010 and 2011. Two study grids were established in seven selected habitats. In each grid, forty-nine Sherman live traps were used to capture the small mammals. A total of 704 individuals were captured in 5488 trap-nights. Among them, 682 (98.3%) were rodents and 12 (1.7%) were insectivores. These comprised 16 species of rodents and 2 species of insectivores. The captured species were: Mastomys natalensis, Mastomys erythroleucus, Lemniscomys striatus, Arvicanthis nilotiucs, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Acomys cahirinus, Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, Stenocephalemys albipes, Gerbilliscus robusta, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Pelomys harringtoni, Mus tentellus, Crocidura fumosa and Crocidura flavescens. Tachyoryctes splendens, Xerus rutilus and Hystrix cristata were recorded as observed species. The abundance of species varied among habitats and between seasons. M. natalensis and L. striatus were the most abundant species, whereas C. flavescens was the least abundant. The age distribution and trap success of small mammals varied between seasons and among habitats. This study clearly shows that the park has a diverse fauna.

Background In contrast to wind farm collision, birds and bats were understudied and their occurrence and function were poorly understood. Here, study on mortality of iconic bird and bat species were conducted on Adama I and II wind farms during wet (August 2018) and dry (March 2019) seasons. Materials and methods The methodology employed carcass searches using direct physical inspections, semi-structured interviews (n = 50), and focus group discussions of wind farm officials and farmers around Adama I and II wind farms. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and chi-square test were employed to analyze the surveyed data. Result The result suggested 51 (78.43%) carcass of bird species comprising 11 families. Out of the 125 installed operational turbines, about 35 species of birds were found in 11 families; 27 unidentified molted carcasses of species of birds were significantly impacted with Adama I and II wind farms. In addition, 11 unidentified species of bat were observed as collision victims. Conclusion Wind farm establishment and expansion in areas with concentrations of the sensitive species had been avoided. To focus on conservation efforts, we illustrate how knowledge of the structural and environmental factors that influence bird and bat collision can be used to record fatalities in the broader landscape. In order to minimize the mortality rate of birds and bats from collision, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment should be undertaken as precautionary measures.

The study on the population status and human impacts on the endemic and endangered Swayne's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) was carried out in Nechisar Plains, Nechisar National Park, between 2009 and 2010. Direct and total count methods were applied in the population census. Data collected since 1967 were also examined to indicate trends of Swayne's hartebeest populations and their translocation status. In eight illegal Guji Oromo settlements, a total of 134 household samples were identified for group discussion and interview. A trend on livestock population was carried out. The total count of Swayne's hartebeest was 12, 11 and 12 during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd counts, respectively. The population has been decreasing and nowadays only 12 individuals remain. Most respondents had a negative attitude towards conservation areas. The increase in livestock population from 1985 to 1996 was 47.8%. It also increased by 49.9% and 56.5% during 2006 and 2010, respectively. There were 12,531 heads of livestock that depended on the grass plains illegally. Overstocking rate of livestock, illegal resource exploitation and loss of wildlife habitat were the major problems encountered. Active measures have to be implemented to control the human impact and safeguard the future of Swayne's hartebeest.