Population size, habitat association, and local residents’ attitude towards rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) in Zegie Peninsula, Ethiopia

Given the current rate of habitat loss, particularly in the tropics, reliable data on the population size and habitats of wild animals are crucial for initiating conservation and management activities in specific areas. Wildlife ecologists have not studied the ecology of most medium-sized mammals in detail. The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) is one such medium-sized mammal that has not been well-studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the population size and examine local residents' attitudes toward the rock hyrax in the Zegie Peninsula, Ethiopia. We applied the strip-transect counting method to estimate the population size and determine the density of rock hyrax in the area. We used structured questionnaires and informant interviews to assess local people's attitudes. We counted a total of 469 rock hyrax individuals in the study area. Adults accounted for 72.4% of the population, while juveniles comprised 27.6%. Through extrapolation, we estimated a total population of approximately 2,184 rock hyraxes within the Zegie Peninsula, with a density of 36.5 individuals/km2. The juvenile-to-adult ratio was 1:2.6 in the area. Rock hyraxes were most frequently observed in lakeshore habitats, followed by residential areas. Most respondents held negative attitudes toward the species, citing environmental pollution (notably a bad smell) in the church and residential compounds due to hyrax pellets and urine, as well as damage to fruits and vegetables. Respondents also described a traditional belief that rock hyraxes possess magical powers enabling them to steal food when they see people eating. Additionally, most reported that hyrax body parts are used to prepare traditional medicines for human and cattle ailments. Key informants specified their use in treating cattle anthrax and leprosy (via pellets). Most respondents opposed hyrax conservation in the area. These findings provide a baseline for developing conservation management strategies to ensure the species' long-term survival.