Abstract

A study on population size of hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) and its conflict with people was carried out from August 2011 to December 2013 in Awash National Park, Ethiopia. Abundance was estimated using total count method at five counting sites. To assess the species conflict with humans, questionnaires and structured interview methods were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods SPSS version 15. The total number of individuals from August 2011 to November 2013 was 1581 and 1845, respectively. Abundance has no significant difference between wet and dry seasons (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the population of hamadryas baboon in 2011/2012 and 2013 (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the rate of change in the population (P < 0.05). However, there was significant difference between male and female population of hamadryas baboon in 2011/2012 (P < 0.05). In 2012/2013 count, the number comprised of 26% adult male, 19% adult female, 9% sub-adult male, 14% sub-adult female, 11% juvenile male, 18% juvenile female and 3% infants. The proportion of female population was more in all age groups except for infants where sex identification was not possible. The species in the study area was highly influenced by forage resource distribution and hence, the high proportion of individual number was found in the northern part of the park, where more forage was available. The result of human survey showed that the overwhelming number (93%) of respondents felt that there was high conflict between people and hamadryas baboon. 92% of the respondents also noted that there was habitat encroachment including deforestation, overgrazing, charcoal production for fuel, and vegetation clearance for settlement in the park. Moreover, majority of the respondents witnessed frequent killing of baboons by farmers as a measure against alleged crop raiding by the species and also considerable number of species are killed by reckless vehicle and truck drivers on the high way crossing the park. About 64% of the respondents also felt that little was done by the park authority to create awareness on the local people about the economic and ecological benefits of wildlife species. Therefore, to minimize human-hamadryas baboon conflict, conservation measures that would ease human encroachment pressure on the habitat and increased local people’s awareness should be practiced.

Key words: Abundance, conflict, conservation, hamadryas baboon, park.