Assessment of challenges and opportunities for wildlife conservation in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia

Abstract

Background and Research Aims Biodiversity loss is a recent global crisis largely due to intense anthropogenic pressures. A study was conducted in Wenchi highlands in the late 2020 and early 2021 to explore the major challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Methods Data were collected using semi–structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and direct observations from four relatively accessible highland villages. The questionnaires were administered to 395 randomly selected household farmers based on their accessibility, presence of natural forest remnants and proximity to an iconic Lake Wenchi. Results The types of natural resource utilizations (χ2=87.94, df=4, P < 0.05) and the attitudes of the local community varied among the respondents (χ2=110.92, df=2, P < 0.05). The majority of the respondents used the natural resources as sources of firewood (70.19%) and for cattle grazing (63.51%). Most of the community members (56.47%) had a positive attitude towards biodiversity conservation. Only 12.14% had no idea about biodiversity conservation. The study also identified land-use changes, exotic plantations, soil erosion, illegal land grabbing, and burning of ericaceous belts as the major conservation challenges in the area. The severity level of conservation threats also varied significantly (χ2=243.519, df=6, P < 0.05). Overgrazing, firewood collection and land-use changes were the most serious biodiversity challenges. A unique topographic beauty, rich floras and faunas, recent global and regional recognitions, positive outlooks of the local people, and ecotourism development projects in the area were the main possible conservation opportunities. Conclusion Anthropogenic activities severely threatened Wenchi montane forests and wildlife therein. Potential conservation opportunities in the area, however, opens up the door for future conservation actions. Implications for conservation Wenchi highlands face severe conservation threats and need urgent conservation priorities and actions.

Quantitative Evaluation of China’s Biogenetic Resources Conservation Policies Based on the Policy Modeling Consistency Index Model

“…An overview of the relevant studies in the field of biogenetic resource conservation reveals that most scholars have investigated the policy protection issues related to biogenetic resources mainly from the perspectives of ecology and management. Among them, scholars in the field of conservation of biological resources have conducted relevant studies from different perspectives by adopting different research methodologies, which cover the challenges faced by the conservation of biological resources [8][9][10], resource conservation preferences from the perspectives of different stakeholders [11][12][13][14], the utilization potential of biogenetic resources [15][16][17], the role of the government in the exploitation of the resources, and so on [18][19][20][21]. For example, Putterman used the choice experiment method to analyze the public's conservation preferences for different biological resources based on the conservation of biological resources in the Wuyi Mountain region [22].…”