This review of the Ethiopian and Eritrean mammal fauna recognises provisional totals of 277 terrestrial and 11 marine species. The terrestrial fauna is dominated by savanna forms (47 .2% of the total), most of which are widespread but with significant numbers being derived from either the East African savannas or the sub-Saharan savanna belt. Deserticolous species (16.2%) include many which are clearly associated with the Somali-arid zone. The 29 endemics are almost exclusively confined to the central plateaux at altitudes in excess of 1800 m and most are denizens of grassland or moorland habitats; few are forest species. Sylvicolous mammals are equally poorly represented amongst non-endemic forms (6.5%) and it is concluded that Ethiopian forests have an impoverished fauna compared with those of Uganda and Zaire.Conservation of wildlife, perennially starved of resources, has suffered greatly from neglect, poaching and destruction of property during the political crises of recent years. This situation is not irredeemable, given the return of peace and some measure of prosperity. If the region's actual and proposed national parks were to be fully established and effectively administered, they have the potential to provide sanctuary for 210 (76%) of the terrestrial mammals, including all but five of the endemic species (one shrew and four rodents). Amongst larger mammals which are unprotected, the apparently precarious situation of the Dibatag (Ammodorcas clarkei) gives particular cause for concern.

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Ethiopia does not often receive publicity for its wildlife conservation work, but there have been a commendable number of achievements over the last 15 years or so. For the last two years the author has been carrying out ecological studies to formulate management plans in the Bale Mountains area, which is in the process of being established as a national park. As a result of the developments and protection already afforded, numbers of the endemic mountain nyala have increased considerably.

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Summary (1) The mortality of wildlife in Nairobi National Park during the drought period of 1973/74 was monitored by monthly ground counts. (2) Highest mortality rate was recorded for kongoni at 27%, followed by wildebeest at 10% and zebra at 7% of the live populations present in the Park. (3) The dry period was marked by a massive influx into the Park of the three species most affected. Eland also moved in, and sub sequently left the Athi‐Kapiti ecosystem entirely, while populations of the other species in the Park remained relatively static. (4) Proportionally the highest mortality was recorded in the driest part of the Park and in the forest. (5) Immature and female animals died earliest, but the overall sex and age ratios reflected those reported for live populations, except that a greater proportion of female wildebeest died than expected. (6) Mortality was suspected to result from poor physical condition and lowered disease resistance caused by malnutrition. This occurred during the latter half of 16 consecutive months of below‐average rainfall, which considerably reduced vegetation growth. (7) The results are discussed in relation to those found elsewhere in this ecosystem, and in relation to domestic stock, human development and the future of Nairobi National Park.