International Journal of Zoology

Understanding of behavioral ecology of primates in grazed lands is vital to their conservation and monitoring strategies. Here we investigated how livestock grazing within the Simien Mountains National Park affects the activity time budgeting and ranging behavior of the geladas, a monkey endemic to Ethiopian highlands. This study was carried out from February 2019 to July 2019 by stratifying the study area as grazed and nongrazed sites. Activity time pattern data were collected using 5 minutes instantaneous scan sampling within 15 minutes intervals from 7:00 to 18:00 for 10 days per month in the grazed and nongrazed sites. The ranging data were also collected by tracking the study group and recording GPS points every 15 minutes sample. The effects of livestock grazing on activity time budgets were statistically analyzed by multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA). Daily range length and home range size were estimated by employing the Open Jump toolbox (MOVEAN), and statistically tested by Mann–Whitney U test. From 3427 behavioral scans on the various activities, feeding was the most frequent (43.04%) behavioral activity followed by moving, accounting for 38.06% of the time. The study revealed that grazing has a statistically significant effect on moving and social activity time budgets. The geladas dwelling in the grazed areas of the park spent more time in moving than in the nongrazed areas. The effect of grazing on social behavior is the reverse of moving. Similarly, geladas traveled longer daily range length and cover a wider home range size in the grazed areas. Therefore, these findings of the study imply that livestock grazing is adversely affecting the behavior of gelada monkeys in the park. To minimize such effects on gelada monkeys and harmonize grazing with wildlife habitat conservation, the grazing pressure reduction strategy must be closely monitored and supported by animal feed cultivation technology.

To assess the effect of energy levels on the reproductive performance of African Land Snails, ninety young snails of one month of age, weighing between 1 and 1.5 g, of shell length between 15.5 and 23.85 mm and shell diameter between 12.60 and 16.85 mm and free from wounds or shell defects were divided into 3 groups of 5 snails each and 6 replicates in cages equipped with feeders and drinking troughs. Each treatment was randomly assignedto one of the experimental feeds with variable energy levels (2600, 2800, and 3000 kcal/kg) in addition to pawpaw leaves as a staple feed. The cultured substrates were watered daily, and the animals were monitored for a period of 24 months. The results showed that the shortest ages of onset of maturity as well as the highest number of spawns per treatment were observed in snails receiving 2600 kcal/kg of energy in the feed compared to other treatments. The highest egg morphometric and fertility characteristics were found in animals fed the highest energy level of the feed. The highest protein level in the hemolymph was observed in snails given 3000 kcal/kg energy of the feed while the lowest cholesterol level was observed in animals receiving the same treatment. The highest total meat and gonad weight were observed in animals receiving 2800 kcal/kg energy in the feed compared to other treatments. The levels of dry and organic matter, protein, and fat in the ash increased with the energy level of the diet. Animals that received 2800 kcal/kg energy in the diet recorded a significantly lower calcium level in the flesh compared to the other two treatments. On the other hand, the percentage of phosphorus increased significantly with the energy level of the diet. In conclusion, the 2600 kcal/kg energy level can be retained in the feed of adult snails.

Spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) represent one of the largest groups of organisms on Earth with more than 45,000 recorded species found in nearly all terrestrial communities. In these communities, spiders are obligate predators and generalist consumers regulating the density of pests. Spiders have a stupefying array of prey hunting strategies ranging from ambushing to the use of complex silk nares. Spider silk is incredibly tough and can be used for many applications such as wrapping and immobilization, catching prey, as dragline to connect spiders to the web, as ballooning to aid dispersal of juveniles, as shelters in burrows, for mating, and as egg sacs (or cocoons). Typically, spider egg sacs are multilayered, complex structures that physically protect the eggs and hatchlings against parasitoids, predators as well as changing temperatures. Much research has been undertaken to elucidate the ecological role of spiders and the mechanical characteristics of silks. However, few studies have examined the parental care of spiders and the role of egg sacs. This review goes into great detail about spider parental care and the functions of egg sacs.

Because of potential conflicts with humans, we investigated the population structure of waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa) in the Nechsar National Park, Ethiopia, from November 2019 to August 2020, using line transect methods. The estimated population was 118 and 104 in the wet and dry seasons, respectively, and averaged 111 (+8) or 0.23/km². The proportion of each age group averaged 31% adult males, 45% adult females, 12% subadult males, 11% subadult females, and 2% juveniles; the large number of female individuals suggests a healthy and increasing waterbuck population. The distribution of waterbuck sightings among habitat types differed by season (χ² = 15.97, df = 3, ). Different conservation measures should be taken to create a conducive environment for waterbuck and large park biodiversity.

The conflicts between humans and wild animals with the same resources are common but seldom reported in Ethiopia. This study was carried out to assess the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of the local communities with human-wild animal conflict (HWC) in and around Amba forest of Ezha District, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: implications for wildlife conservation. Cross-sectional study design was applied, and data were collected from November 2019 to July 2020 through a semistructured questionnaire, focus group discussion (FGD), and field observation. A total of 53 respondents were randomly selected. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the results were presented using tables, graphs, charts, and text. The study result revealed that human-wild animal conflict exists, and it was seriously occurring at various places, time, and seasons. Papio anubis, Potamochoerus larvatus, Cercopithecus aethiops, Hystrix cristata, and Crocuta crocuta were the main conflicting wild animals, respectively. Abundance of wild animals, presence of forest, crop raiding, expansion of agriculture, and livestock predation were the main causes of conflict in the study area. There was a statistically significant relation between conflict and the cause of conflict (χ²_(5) = 17.075, ). Psychological and economic impacts were the main impacts encountered. Most of the respondents (86.8%) had applied conflict mitigation strategies, but it was ineffective, although the trend of conflict was increasing. Many of the respondents (41.5%) had a negative attitude toward wild animals, but 58.5% encouraged wild animals’ conservation. HWC had increasing trends of conflict, and thus, a negative attitude was developed by the communities on wild animal coexistence and conservation. Therefore, awareness creation, training, and promoting coexistence mechanisms between humans and wild animals are necessary in the study area.

Knowing reproductive behavior is important for establishing a viable population of nationally endangered blackbuck in Nepal. This study explored the behavioral events and states associated with copulatory mountings in blackbuck by focal animal sampling method under semienclosed conditions of Hirapurphanta within Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal. We recorded different behavioral initiations for the mating reproductive activities and the behaviors followed after copulatory mounting. Four dominant adult males were used as a subject. The highest number of copulatory mountings was observed during the months of February–March. Among the diurnal observational phases, the highest number of copulatory mountings was recorded during 9.00–12.00 hours followed by 15.00 hours onwards. Copulatory mounting was significantly preceded by sniffing the vulva of female and showing flehmen response, whereas copulatory mounting was followed by walking.