Status of Anthropogenic Threats and Threatened Species Following Re-Demarcation of the Awash National Park, Ethiopia

Abstract One of the main conservation objectives of re-demarcating the Awash National Park (ANP) was to address its potential threats thereby ensuring its effective management and sound conservation of the threatened species. It was, however challenging to obtain up-to-date information on the status of severity of the anthropogenic threats and threatened species after re-demarcation of the park. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of anthropogenic threats and threatened species following re-demarcation of ANP and the effectiveness of the conservation measures taken to address the potential anthropogenic threats to the protected area. Semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data on anthropogenic threats. Sample and total count methods were deployed to determine distribution, density and abundance of the target species. Management effectiveness tracking tool (METT) assessment form was filled objectively by the assessors to compare the METT scores before and after re-demarcation of ANP. Analysis tests which include χ 2 test, t - test, Pearson correlation test and Wilcoxon test were deployed to determine the relationship and difference between various socio-economic and ecological variables. The result of this study reveals that eight out of the ten identified anthropogenic threats have been predominantly prevailing in ANP at varying degrees and the extent of majority of them had increased following re-demarcation. As a result, significant decline in distribution and abundance of the threatened species of mammals was witnessed. Generally, the major anthropogenic threats to the park have been persisting although the rationale for re-demarcating the ANP was to address these potential threats. It is therefore recommended to identify the main drivers for the core anthropogenic threats, devise adaptive management approaches for ANP and enable effective implementation of its conservation actions. It is also suggested to enhance land use planning in areas around the park.