A Catalogue for Endemic Birds of Ethiopia
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The Journal of Zoology Studies 2016; 3(4): 109-133 The Journal of Zoology Studies ISSN 2348-5914 A catalogue for endemic birds of Ethiopia JOZS 2016; 3(4): 109-133 JOZS © 2016 Author: Weldemariam Tesfahunegny Received: 19-07-2016 Accepted: 20-08-2016 Abstract In modern sense birds can be used to provide early warning of environmental problems. Tout of Weldemariam Tesfahunegny Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, the total 926 checklists, 24 endemic bird of Ethiopia explores the current status and distribution Animal Biodiversity Directorate, with a brief description and information on habitat, distribution, habits and breeding. P.O. Box 30726, Addis Ababa, Furthermore, threats and IUCN category are covered. Moreover, a complete list of all known Ethiopia localities is added for each species. Ornithologists and conservation biologists need to develop plans using an interdisciplinary approach on the quality, beautiful landscapes and iconic species to ensure conservation activities address the diversity of biological and socio-economic issues that face on 3E birds of Ethiopia. In reality, conservation issues are complex and highly context- specific and this catalogue helps conservationist to impasses on endemic birds of Ethiopia. Research has shown that species richness in overall biodiversity as vital for the health and functioning of ecosystems, which provide services such as crop pollination; flood prevention, carbon storage, fisheries, tourism, increased soil, air and water quality upon which Ethiopia economy depends. Keywords: Aves, Endangered, Endemics, Ethiopia, Iconic species, IUCN 1. Introduction Ethiopia is the largest landlocked country in Africa with an area of 1.13 million km² of which 1.12 million km² are land that is located in the northeast of Africa between 030 40’ and 150 N latitude and 330 and 480 E longitude. Ethiopia is one of the top 25 biodiversity-rich countries in the world, and hosts two of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, namely; the Eastern Afromontane and the horn of Africa hotspots EBI [6]. The altitudinal difference with the highest peak at Ras Dashen (4620 m above sea level) and the minimum 126 m below sea level in the Afar depression is the main reason that makes Ethiopia as one of the very few countries that is rich in biodiversity. Ethiopia is a country where major habitat block is contained within political boundaries with high degree of endemicity quality of its beautiful landscapes and iconic species in both fauna and flora. Often called the roof of Africa, this fasinatic country (471775 sq mi/1221897 sq km) has two vast areas of mountain and plateau split by the rift valley and a great vartiety of vegetation and endemic wildlife EBI [6]. There are over 10,000 various species of birds (class Aves), grouped to 29 Orders and 181 [4] families currently inhabits the earth, across the world BLI out of which, a staggering 1,313 Corresponding Author: (13%) are threatened under extinction. As the recent data by the IUCN states, around 197 Weldemariam Tesfahunegny species are considered critically endangered, and 389 are listed as endangered. The rest are Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, categorized under vulnerable BLI [3]. However, in Africa 2355 species, 245 globally threatened Animal Biodiversity Directorate, with extinction. P.O. Box 30726, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Vol. 3 No. 4 2016 Page 109 Journalofzoology.com The Journal of Zoology Studies The wildlife biodiversity of Ethiopia supporting more than 2970 species of animals and 7,000 of higher plant species with 12% endemics, among the fauna 320 are mammals with 36 endemics, 926 birds with 24 endemics, 1,249 arthropods with 11 endemics, 200 fish with 40 endemics, 202 reptiles with 17 endemics and 73 amphibians with 30 endemics EBI [6]; Weldemariam [9]. Birds of Ethiopia (926), 24 species are endemic. Today birds are the most successful of all terrestrial vertebrates. Ethiopia has 320 (36) known endemic species of mammals, 926 (23) birds, 240 (15) reptiles, 320 (36) amphibians and 150 (6) fish species. In Africa it ranks the fourth, surpassed by Madagascar, Zaire, Cameroon and South Africa WCMC [10], [11]; EBI [6]; [9] Weldemariam . Fig 1: Wattled ibis (Bostrychia carunculata) Birds’ classification presents thumbnail sketches of the 34 orders (29 living, 5 fossil) and 185 bfamilies (150 The tendency to nest in colonies in cliffs rather than living, 35 fossil) in to which scientists currently group alone in trees jointly with the territorial occupation by the some 9,600 known species (8,700 living, 900 female indicates that this species may be much more fossil) of birds in the world. The economic benefits of like Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita than Bostrychia, biodiversity are significant as well. Economists despite its physical appearance and different jizz. estimate that humans derive trillions of dollars’ worth Therefore, this species could be a link between of ecosystem services from viable populations of plant Bostrychia, as typified by Hadada, and Geronticus and animal species, clean water and air, productive Vivero Pol [8]. soils, functioning wetlands, and recreational opportunities. Globally, overexploitation is one of the 3.2 Voice: Have a Loud, raucous "haa-haa-haa-haa" main threats driving birds towards extinction globally call. BLI [3]. 3.3 Geographic distribution/ Localities: Nechisar 2. Endemic Species National Park, Mago NP, Awash NP, Abijata-Shalia An ‘Endemic Species’ is one that is only found in that NP, Bale Mountains NP, Simien Mountains NP, region and nowhere else in the world. As such they are Yangudi Rassa NP, Kuni-Muktar, Debre Birham, Gosh of conservation concern because they are not Meda, Wondo Genet, Gefferssa Reservoir, Tefki widespread and may be confined to only one or two wetland, Lake Awasa, Choke Mountain, Sululta Plains, protected areas. Although more endemic species of Ankober, Langano, Mount Zuquala, Lake Ashenge, birds have been added to the country but until now a Hugumburda & Grat-Kahsu Forest. One noteworthy total of 24 endemic species of bird are registered place to see good flocks is the Slaughtering in Addis Weldemariam [9]. This list combines with the status of Ababa city. IUCN and distribution of the species for serious conservation concern IUCN and UNEP-WCMC 3.4 Habitat: They may occur all over Ethiopian [7]. The Catalogue of the endemic birds species in highlands at altitudes ranging from 1500 m to the Ethiopia is a monumental work published in this time. highest moorlands at 4100 m. It prefers meadows and Its aim was not only to document in our Museum bird highland river courses. It is often found in rocky places collection, but to discuss all then-known "species" of and cliffs and olive tree (Olea africana) and juniper living birds for best conservation purpose. (Juniperus procera) mixed forests. It has also become well adapted to anthropic landscapes and conditions; 3. Wattled ibis (Bostrychia carunculata) during the rainy season it can be seen in the hotel Wing 325-380 mm lawns of downtown Addis Ababa. The wattled ibis is 3.1 Brief description: A dark ibis usually in flocks. In common to abundant Because of its loud, raucous flight, makes loud raucous "kowrr-kowrr-kowrr" calls, "haa-haa-haa-haa" call, the Wattled Ibis is easily audible over long distances. Shows a white patch on recognized even from some distance away. A flock of the upper surface of the wing and a throat wattle. These these ibises rising or flying overhead becomes two features, plus a large size and no white line on especially noisy and obvious. In flight a white patch cheek, distinguish this ibis from the close relative shows on the upper surface of the ibis' wing, and at Hadada Ibis B. hagedash. close range its tliroat wattle is visible. These two Vol. 3 No. 4 2016 Page 110 Journalofzoology.com The Journal of Zoology Studies diagnostic features distinguish the Wattled Ibis from 4. Blue-winged goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera) the closely related Hadada Wing 325-376 mm Ibis (Bostrychiahagedavli), which also occurs in 4.1 Brief description: A medium-size, thick-necked Ethiopia. goose, with brownish ash mantle and short legs; also with pale blue wing-patch not particularly striking at 3.5 Breeding habits: Usually nests in small to large distance. In flight shows white underwing-coverts. colonies on rocky cliffs, over bushes hanging in the Sexes are alike, but female is slightly smaller. walls; although also reported to nest singly on top of trees or ledges of buildings. Few colonies known above 3,000 m; and those in trees found only at lower elevations (1,800-2,000 m) in Lake Awasa. In Bale Mountains, there are nesting colonies of 500 and more. The courtship and brooding behaviour has not yet been described. Nest is a platform of branches and sticks, lined with grass stems and strips of bark; sometimes located to east for maximum exposure to sun in early hours of day which are very cold at high altitudes. Seems to breed along a broad period: March-July and occasionally in December, during the dry season. Lays two-three rough shelled and dirty white eggs. 3.6 Threats: No reduction in numbers nor any obvious threat reported. Therefore, it is not considered to be of conservation concern, since the population is rather large. Fig 2: Blue-winged goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera) 3.7 Status: Least Concer (IUCN 3.1). Stands and walks with the head almost resting on the back and the feathers fluffed out round it. Cannot be 3.8 Conservation action: Additional actions needed confused with any other duck in its restricted range. include the protection of all over Ethiopian highlands Taxonomically treated as a sheld-goose with only very especially open habitat and forests. More information distant relatives in Peru and Bolivia, the Andean Goose is needed on this species' distribution, population status Chloephaga melanoptera, which frequents similar and natural history.