Amhara National Regional State (ANRS)

Parks Development and Protection Authority

(PaDPA)

Wi l dl i f e and Soc i oec onomi c St at us of Al at i sh
Nat i onal Par k (ALNP)



Abraham Marye, Berhanu Gebre, Daregot Berihun


Desalegn Ejigu,

Dereje Tewabe,

Tesfaye Mekonen
6



Nile Basin Initiative PaDPA





August, 2008
Bahir Dar



Table of Contents

FORWARD .
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..
EXCUTIVE SUMMARY....
CONTENTS ....
ACRONYMS ...............................................
LIST OF TABLES .
APPENDIX .

CHAPTER ONE ..1

I. INTRODUCTION ........1.
1.1 Objectives of the study ....1
1.2 Methods and approach of the study .....2
1.3 Outputs of the study .....3
1.4 The scope and limitation of the study ...3.
1.5 Organization and monitoring ...4
1.6 Description of the Study area ....5
1.6.1 Location and Topography .5
1.6.2 Climate and Agro ecology6
II. CHAPTER TWO .8

III. SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK 8
3.1 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC SITUATION .9
3.1.1 Social Situation of Local Communities .10
3.1.1.1 Population and socio-cultural features .10
3.1.1.2 Social institutions, Services and infrastructures ..18
3.1.1.3 Institutional Establishment and Frameworks ..21
2.2. Economic situation Assessment of Local Communities ...23
2.2 1 Economic Resource and Ownership..23
2.2.2 The local Economy and Livelihood27
2.2.3 Local Economic Services and Infrastructures .28
2.2.4 Livelihood and Income Generation 30
2. 3. Stakeholders analysis of Alatish national park .. 31
2.3.1 Main (Key) Stakeholders and Their Interest in Alatish .32
2.3.1.1 Stakeholders at National Level 32
2.3.1.2 At regional Level ..32
2.3.1.3 At Local Level (Woreda and Kebele) 33
2.3.1.4 NGOs and Bilateral Organizations 33
2. 3.1.5 External Stakeholders 33
2.4 The relationship of the local community and the park .34
2.4.1 Community Attitude toward the Park .34
2.4.2 Parks Effect on the Life of the Surrounding People ..34
4.2.1 Contribution of forest and biodiversity to the local community .34
4.2.2 Values of the park to the local Community and regional Development ..35
4.2.3 Side effects of the park to the local community 38
2. 5. General Social, Economic and Institutional Challenges ..39
2. 5.1 Local people effect on the park 39
2. 5.2 Effects of Fellata Nomads Movement on the park .41
2. 5.3 Reasons for problems to happen 42
2.6. Outlook for future development ..44
2. 6.1 Outstanding issues and priorities ..44
2.6.2 Strategic recommendations and the way forwarded 45
2.6.2.1 Strategic recommendations .45
2. 6.2.2 The way forwarded 47
CHAPTER THREE .48

III. ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK 48
3.1. Biodiversity and Wildlife Resources ...49
3.2. Exceptional Resource Values ....50
3.3. Ecosystems 52
3.3.1 Riverine and Seasonal Wetland Ecosystems (RSWE .....52
3.3.2 Mixed Wooded Grassland Ecosystem (MWGE) ..54
3.3.3 Shrub and Scrubland Ecosystem (SSE).55
3.4. Seasonal Status, Attributes and Distribution of Ecosystems Components ...55
3.5. Ecosystem Components and Threats 60
3.6. Use Value of ALNP Ecosystems .62
3.7. Ecosystem Interconnectedness ....63.
3.8. Ecosystem Threats and Trends .65
3.8.1 Analysis of Threat zone ..65
3.9. ALNP Park Management Zone 67
3.10. Human Resource and Facilities .,68
3.11. Infrastructures and Spatial Arrangements ,69
3.11.1 Multipurpose Sites, Outposts and Spectacular settings .....................................................69
3.11.2 Road Network 70
3.12. Significance of ALNP .72
3.13. Research Issues .......................................................................................................................72
CHAPTER FOUR .76

1V. VEGETATION STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK .76
4.1 Vegetation of ALNP ........77
4.3.1Amejalie Alga Flatlands ........77
4.3.2 Amerakuba Dinnar Shrub and scrubland..78
4.3.3 Mehadid Gerara Multifaceted Vegetation .....79
4.3.4 Bayiwa Berahasen Abamerafa Escarpment ..80
4.3 Riverine Mixed wooded, Wooded Grassland and Plain Meadow ....80.
4.4 Classification of vegetation .81
4.5 Vegetation Distribution and Threats .....82
4.6 Vegetation, Topography and soil .....83
4.7 Uses of vegetation ......84
CHAPTER FIVE .88

V. ZOOLOGICAL STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK ..88
5.1 Why we need to conserve wildlife .89
5.2 Major courses of wildlife loss .97
5.3 Zoological Description of Alatish National Park .98
5.4. Results and Discussion 101
5.4.1 Results 101
5.4.2 Discussion 105.
CHAPTER SIX..112

VI. LAND USE STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK
6.1 The need for land use plan for Alatish National Park
6.2 Major land uses in Alatish National Park
6.2.1 Open wooded land
6.2.2 Open shrub grassland ..
6.3 Land feature and management zones ..
6.3.1 Water resources
6.3.2 Flat plain area ..
6.4.3 Mountain cliffs and escarpments
6.4.4 The bamboo area .
6.4 Land use Pattern/Trend .
6.5 Utilization Threats on the park
6.5.1 Settlement program
6.5.2 The Fellata nomads
6.5.3 Hunting and Fire outbreak .
6.5.4 Seasonal grazing
6.5.5 Fishing ..
6.6 Expected Benefits from the park ..
6.6.1 Ecological benefits .
6.6.2 Economic benefit
6.6.3 Social Benefits .
6.6.4 Political benefits .
CHAPTER SEVEN
VII. HYDROLOGICAL SYSTEM OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK
7.1 Characteristics of Rivers and Seasonal Wetlands ..
7.2 Fishing in Ayima River...
7.3 Types of Fishes ..
7.4 Fish species and pictorial description ..

CHAPTER EIGHT .

VIII. CONSERVATION NEEDS, GAP ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR
ALATISH NATIONAL PARK
8.1. NEEDS OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION..
8.2. GAP ANALYSIS FOR THE STUDY .
8.3. MANAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION FOR ALNP
8.3.1 Requirements for ALNP GMP Preparation
8.3.2 Purposes of GMP for ALNP ..
8.3.3 The scope of the GMP .
8.3.4 Significance of preparing management plan .
8.3.5 Outputs of the GMP .

CHAPTER NINE .

IX CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1. CONCLUSIONS
9.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ..

REFERENCES .

LIST OF TABLES ..

Table 2.1Population of the Quara Woreda
Table 2.2 population composition by age group in Quara .
Table 2.3 Population size and change in Quuara ..
Table 2.4 Seasonal migration to Quara .
Table 2.5 Time of seasonal migration
Table 2.6 Ethnic, Language and Religion composition in the study area ..
Table 2.7 Gross primary school enrolment distribution by gender in Quara ..
Table 2.8 Ten top diseases in Quara Woreda ..
Table 2.9 Existing land use pattern of the project area, 2007(1999) .
Table 2.10. Livestock population and holdings in Quara ..
Table 2.11 Major crops grown, land allocation and output in 1999(2007) ..
Table 2.12 Involvement of the labor force .
Table 3.1. ERVs of Alatish national Park
Table 3.2. Ecosystem components, prinicipal ecological level featurs and distribution
Table 3.3 Key ecological components threats and ecological levels .
Table 3.4. Ecosystem threat analysis
Table 4.1. Vegetation Classification and principal Ecosystem
Table 6.1 land use type of Quara woreda
Table 7.1 Fish species composition of Ayima river with their common name of Amharic and Gumuz


LIST OF FIGURES ..

Fig 2. 1 Focus group discussion with local communities in the field(Amhara and Gumuz Tribes)
Fig 2. 2 Map of Quara Woreda and park Adjacent Pas .
Fig 2...3 Migratory movement of Fellata Starting from Gadara Region of Sudan .
Fig 2. 4 Typical house in Gumuz village- outside and inside view Mehadid PA
Fig 2. 5 Current Organizational structure of Alitash National Park Office
Fig 2. 6 Alatish National Park Office Gelegu ..
Fig 2. 7 Center Overview of the park and the forest resource of the park ..
Fig 2. 8 Rivers Gelegu in the North side and River Hyma in the South east side of the park
Fig 2. 9 Constraint of a road a parks car attempting to cross the Gelegu river .
Fig 2.10 Water access for the local community
Fig.2.11 Herb leaves Seleselo and Mushroom for food ,and Wika forage mixer
Fig.2.12 Dbuib University Students on Field research in Alatish National Park .
Fig.2.13 Farming going on around the park-200 meters away
Fig.2.14 Goat herd inside the park in Bermil PA-Bacon ..
Fig.2.15 Python (Python sebae) which was killed for skin
Fig 3.1 Natural face of Alatish
Fig 3.2 Alatish river bed, riverine forest, woodedland, and escarpment in Eastern Alatish ..
Fig 3.3 Twine hills of Laydinnar and its rock hole, Diza tree palace for Emperor Haileselasie in 1941
Fig 3.4 Riverine and seasonal wetland ecosystem (RSWE)
Fig 3.5 MWGE Central Alatish (left) Amenably in (right).
Fig 3.6 Shrub (right) Scrubland (left) .
Fig 3.7 Seasonal variation of wetland (above) and riverine ecosystem (below)
Fig 3.8 Seasonal Variation in MWGE.
Fig 3.9 seasonal variation in SSE ..
Fig 3.10 Expansion of settlement as a potential threat of the park (Marwuha) .
Fig 3.11.Infrastructures, Hand dug well (Amjalie), post site at Megenagna central Alatish
Fig 4.1 Riverine (above) and wetland (below) vegetation of Alaish
Fig 4.2 Flatland vegetation of Alatish (Amjalie) ..
Fig 4.3 Bermel Village from Das Terara (Amrakuba) and Top of Laydinnar
Fig 4.4 Cultivated and deforested Areas in West of mehadid and Gerara
Fig 4.5 Berenta to Abamerafa Eastern Intact Secrub land with associated lowland
Fig 4.6 Mixed wooded and plain meadow of Alatish with scattered hills ..
Fig 5.1 Lion foot print and baboon on Alatish river bed .
Fig 5.2 Forest honey and editable herbs of Alatish .
Fig 5.3 Alatish a home of nocturrnal
Fig 5.4 Kudra palatable Herb as a source of food and feed
Fig 5.5 Alatish a home of UnKnown rodents and variety of Birds .
Fig 5.6 Egyptian cobra King of Alatish.
Fig 5.7 Warthoge a main feed source of lion and trees as a home of wildlife
Fig 5.8 Grivate monkeys and traditional beehives .
Fig 5.9 Typical indicator of water shortage in dry season ..
Fig 5.10 Bohor (Red buck) and traditional water hole and trough on the river bed of Alatish .
Fig 5.11 Among widly distributed species in Alatish
Fig 6.1 Primarly Alatish is present land dominated by sandy soil
Fig 6.2 General ecological point map of Alatish .
Fig 6.3 Deforestation potential threat of open woodedland around Mehadid and Amejalie ..
Fig 6.4 Seasonal wetlands a main source fishing for sale in wet season
Fig 6.5 Hund dug well used by Gumuz community .
Fig 6.6 The plain multifaced view of Alatish from Das Terara (Amrakuba)..
Fig 6.7 Distant view of Das Terara (Amrakuba) from Laydinnar hill ..
Fig 6.8 Newly growing and old bamboo around megenagna .
Fig 6.9 From left to right Bermel, Cultivated,l and inside the park and mehadid village .
Fig.7.1 Abundant in Ayima in wet and scanty of water Alatish in dry season .
Fig.7.2 Wet season face of Water left to right Ayima , Alatish, gelrgu and Sambri (seasonal wetland)
Fig 7.3 Dry season face of Water left to right Ayima, Alatish, gelrgu and Sambri (seasonal wetland) ..
Fig.7.4 Local fishing gears made from Nilon rope by Gumuz and Agew tribs ..
Fig.7.5 Fishermen selling their catches at near by village, Bemur and fish division at coffee ceremony ..
Fig 7.6 tradditional fishing gear (Guranba) in Ayima river ..
Fig.7.7 Children catch fish using hook, lines, spear and stone and overnight fishishing ..

ANNEXES

APPENDIX 1. Fish species and pectorial representation ..
APPENDIX2:lists of participants in field assessment..
APPENDIX3:KeyInformantscontactedinthefield..
APPENDIX4:Sites for multipurpose services outside the park
APPENDIX5:Post sites, Observation and Water points
APPENDIX6: Designed Road Networks of Alatish..
APPENDIX7: Spectacular Sites and Ecosystems and point maps
APPENDIX 8: trees and shrub Plant species of Alatish, local use and distribution
APPENDIX 9: Grass species of Alatish their local use and distribution .............
APPENDIX 10: Herbal Food and Medicinal Plant Species of Alatish their local use and distribution ..
APPENDIX 11: List of Mammalian Species in Alatish National Park .
APPENDIX 12: List of Birds in Alatish National Park
APPENDIX 13: List of reptiles in Alatish National Park (only some secies).
APPENDIX 14: Rodents and insectivore of Alatish National Park
APPENDIX 15: Field data sheet used for transect count.
APPENDIX 16: Faces and Challenges of field study in Alatish

ACRONYMS

ACRI Amhara Credit and Saving Institute
AFAP Amhara Forestry Action Program
ALNP Alatish National Park
ANRS Amhara National Regional State
ARARI Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute
BGRS Benishangul Gumuz Regional State
BoARD Bureau of Agriculture and Rural development
BoFED Bureau of Finance and Economic Development
BDU Bahir Dar University
DNP Dinder National Park
ERA Ethiopian Road Authority
EPLAUA Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use Authority
FGD Focus Group Discussion
FWDCD Federal Wildlife Development and Conservation Department
GMP General Management Plan
IBC Institute of Biodiversity Conservation
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
MWGE Mixed Wooded Grassland Ecosystem
ORDA Organization for Rehabilitation and Development
PA Peasant Association (Kebele Administration)
PaDPA Parks Development and Protection Authority
RSWE Reverine and Seasonal Wetland Ecosystems
SMNP Simien Mountains National Park
SSE Shrub and Scrubland Ecosystem
TOR Terms of Reference
.


FORWARD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Aauthors gratefully acknowledged all participants at any step in field study and
the development of this publication. We are gratefull to Blue Nile Imitative
(BNI) for sponsering the rapid assessment. Parks Development and Protection
Authority (AaDPA) of the Amhara region, Quara Woreda Administration, Alatish
National Park Office and its Park Scout are indebted to for their unreserved
support from beginning enabling to conduct challenging field study and
facilitated processes for this document to be produced.
Kebele Authorities and Focus Group Discussion Participants key informants in
the vicinity of the park at Bambaho, Gelegu, Mehadid, Bermel, Gumuzwuha, and
Marwuha for their kind interest and provision of vital information through open
and interactive discussion.
The authors also wish to acknowledge workshop participants from various
institutions at national and regional level for their unreserved comments and
suggessions upon which this publication has been able to draw.
The work of these reviwed edited and commented the draft text and provided
valuable suggessions is also gratefully acknolodged.

EXCUTIVE SUMMARY

Ethiopias broad altitudinal range, geological and topographic setup catered diverse
biological resources and scenic features. Biodiversity of Ethiopia is indicated by richness of
species that display genetic variations, ecological and economic services provided in free of
charge. Many of natural and cultural heritages are endemic. However, only few are known
and scientifically studied. Studies show that, Ethiopia has a total of 277 terrestrial
mammals, 862 bird, 201 reptile, 63 amphibians, 150 fishes and 324 butterfly species of
fauna and over 7000 species of plants. Among these 31 mammals, 16 birds 24 amphibians
4 fish, 9 reptiles and 7 butterfly species of animals and 12-15% of flora species are
endemic. But, their values significant local and national role is not largely recognized at
all level. As a result many of these wildlife resources are declining at an alarming rate due
to the wining behavior of human and low level of conservation and rehabilitation effort.

The Amhara region has an area of 170,152sq km wide and a very varied agro climatic zone
possesses most scenic and biologically fascinating places and cultural heritage sites.
Amhara Region has about 450 species of birds and 50 species of larger mammals of which
four large mammals and eight bird species are endemic to Amhara/Ethiopia. The
importance of preserving those prestigious wildlife resources for economic development is
paramount issue. In persuading this, studies and conservation efforts are extremely
minimal. Before 2005 the region had only one legally protected area, SMNP. SMNP known
for its breathtaking beautiful landscape and home for many fauna and flora; ten mammals
and seven bird endemic species including Walia ibex, Gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf.
However, recently there is high will and commitment by the regional government to
increase the number of protected areas such as Alatish, Denkoro and Menz Guassa and
the necessary budget requested to protect and manage natural components of these parks
and additional areas under study. To execute this huge and indispensable mandate the
regional state established PaDPA in 2003 by proclamation no 96/2003 of the Amhara
region. PaDPA is the regional highest legal competent institution to manage and
administer parks and natural protected areas in the region.
Alatish is a newly established national park in North Gonder Quara woreda along Ethio-
Sudan boarder after a series of endeavors to provide legal status and facilities required. It
covers 2,665.7km
2
and established legally in 20
th
February 2006. The summary of reports
and status of the park was send to IUCN for registration as a national park in May 2006
by federal government FWDCD.

The park has a variety of fauna and flora which require conservation. Alatish is especially
rich in reptile diversity. To mention few, African rock python, Monitor lizard, Egyptian
cobra, Black mamba & Blanding tree snake are some. It also harbors endangered and rare
species like Loxodonata africana, Panthera pardus, Panthera leo and also lower risk but
conservation dependant Tragelaphus imberbis and Tragelaphus strepsiceros The
vegetation type in general is undifferentiated mosaic scattered wooded grasslands. The
main tree species in the area include Cobmretum spp, Gardenia ternifora, Boswellia
papyrifera, Acacia spp, Balanites aegyptica, Adonsonia digitata, Intada Africana and
Terminalia laxiflorous and common grass species like Hyperrhenia spp, Sorghum spp and
Pennisitum spp. For effective conservation and sustainable utilization of these resources
guiding document or GMP is required.

GMP preparation began with assigning data gathering and manipulation. Hence, this
rapid assessment was conducted for preparation of ALNP GMP put as a corner stone for
planning and decision. The rapid assessment team was composed from different high level
institutions such as PaDPA, ARARI, BDU, EPLAUA, BoARD, ALNP and Quara Woreda
Security affairs in various disciplines

The over all goal of the rapid assessment work was to generate dependable and updated
information to be used for GMP preparation. Specifically generates summarized
biophysical and socio-cultural information and delineates different ecosystems and their
components; land use socio-cultural dynamics and threats of the park. Develop document
in the form of description of the protected area as State of ALNP report that comprise
management gaps and relevant stakeholder of the park, solutions and opportunities.

Methodologically, the assessment team focused on two spatial features first at village level
to collect data on socioeconomic, perception and traditional knowledge using FGD, Key
informant and authorities. Secondly, field visit on selected representative sites to gather
biophysical data and visible wildlife threats. Major habitats characterized and delineated
with their components. Eexcel broad sheet and descriptive data analysis were used with
possible lists of flora and fauna and biophysical features and socio economic
characteristics.

The physical location shows ALNP is found in ANRS North Gondar Administrative Zone
in Quara woreda lies between 1147' S.4" to 12, 31' 3.6"N latitude and 35 15' 48" to 35
48'S1" E. longitude. It shares boundaries about 74km (Arial) distance in the west to
Sudans Dinder National Park, in the south along Ayma River with Bambaho to Omedela
boarders to Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, in the East Bambaho and Gelgu, in the
North east to Mehadid, in the North Bermel and marwuha Kebeles of Quara Woreda.

ALNP is almost 565 Kms away from the Regional capital Bahirdar and is about 1130 km
North West away from Addis Ababa. Quara Woreda has a dry whether road which helps to
connect the Woreda to Gonder and Bahirdar, i.e. from Genda wuha to Gelegu which is 125
km long. This road is not yet accomplished. The new road under construction from
Durbetie to Gelegu, 350 KM will create alternative and less cost travel route. Currently,
388 km road planned for internal park management and access that joins with Gelegu of
which 238.6 km has been designed and surveyed by high level engineering work that could
be constructed in next three years. ALNP is 13 KMs (Arial) distance away from Gelegu
(Capital of Quara) to the west through Derahasen and about 22 KMs (Arial) via Mehadid.
Alatish comprises 266,570 ha (33%) out of 812,375 ha of the woreda.

Quara woreda is historical birth place of who was enlightened and source of modernization
ruler of Ethiopia Emperor Teoderos II (18 -1868) and vicinity in the battle of Metema. The
people Quara are known with various socio cultural heritages and multilingual
(Amaregna, Agewgna, Gumuzgna, Datsengna, Tegeregna and Arabic) speakers are living
around the park with different proportion, Amhara are highly populous i.e. 81.4% followed
by Agew 10%, and Gumuz 6.7 %. Most of (95%) them are speaking Amargna besides their
mother tunge. From the total population 81, 939 individuals 40 %( 32,749) are immigrants
by different reason and time. Only 60% (49,190) are native in their environs. The annual
population growth estimated as 2.88%. Of the total population 39% are living adjacent to
the park in six kebeles.

ALNP office started its official activities on June 1998 EC (2006), for executing every
duties and responsibilities of the Park. It is organized into one main technical department
(team), Administrative and finance, Planning and information, Auditor and Lawyer. All
the above-mentioned departments are organized into administrative units, of the Office
Manager, Technical team leader, experts and administration and supporting staff.

In 2000(2008) it has got a total of 62 employees of which 45 M and 17 F, This human
resource is distributed to 5 technical experts,11 administrative members,6 scouts and 40
Park Gourds. More over 16 are at the Park office and 46 are field workers. The office does
use rental office and it is on the way to construct its own. It has one single cup Toyota pick
up car, 2 electric generators, 2 desktop computers, and office furniture, radio
communication, 5 hand dug water wells, 4 functional post sits and 43 guns. Recently the
park office established woreda and kebele level park task forces and park clubs in adjacent
kebeles schools.

The park has relevant stakeholders at various levels. At national level Federal Wild life
Monitoring and Development Authority, Universities Bahir Dar-Gonadar or others
institutions need the park since it has got a substantial potential for research and
academics. At regional level the Regional Government, PaDPA,, BOA , EPLAUA, ARARI
and at local level Woreda administrative and local community institutions.

Regarding to community attitude overall the adjacent people have got a very good attitude
to the park, except there are some challenges since its buffer zone is very near to villages
,and people are worried what will happen if they need to expand farm and grazing lands.

Hunting animals; inducing crop-raiding is almost zero. The main reason for hunting is to
destroy large carnivorous mammals like lions and leopard, either for dignity and respect,
for skin hides and ivory smuggled to neighboring Sudan. Some animals like antelopes,
bush pigs porcupines, and small mammals are hunted for bush meat -i.e for food purpose.

The type of people involved on killing large mammals like lions, elephants, and leopards
are mostly Amhara and Agews and Felatas. Where as mostly porcupines, and small
mammals are hunted for bush meat by Gumuz people. Hence the hunting style of the
Agews, Amahara and Felats is in away to destroy large mammals which are either
endemic or few in number inside the park. Hence the Gumuz are relatively harmless as
compared to the above group. Birds like Guinifowl (jigra) and francolin (kok) are also
hunted by Amhara and Agew.

Grazing is not a question right now on the adjacent Migration from highlands like Chilga
and Metema is being exhausted and this will help seasonal migrants to come to the park.
Currently, 99% of the parks resources are accessed only by Fellata and their 800,000
estimated livestock and this show how they are a challenge to the management of the
park. Once inter (October to November) they distribute all areas of the park to get grazing,
hunting and deforestation access.

Effects of Fellata Nomads movements on the Park are, devastating in every sphere of the
Park, illegal peoples effect is drastic and they are active causes of forest fire, hunters of
lions and elephants, leopards, and reptiles, active smugglers of drugs and weapons, the
active threats for National security, fight with local people and kill people.
Alatish is little known in its biological diversity and ecosystem characteristics. It falls in
Sudan Guinea Biome region of tropical Savanna. Alatish could be characterized in two
combined ecosystem complexes of AcaciaComiphora Woodland Ecosystem and
Combretum-Terminalia Woodland with various habitats of others ecosystems such as
intact shrub lands, scrublands, riverine and seasonal wetland ecosystem.

They are major sources of attractions. As ERVs of ALNP categories under natural, scenic
and socio-cultural systems that include:
Outstanding natural, cultural, historical and social features
Sensitive and threatened physical settings and wildlife species
Habitats necessary for existence/survival of threatened wildlife species
Resources sensitive to human use and critical to local community livelihood
Major cultural and historical sites

Based on dominant high canopy vegetation layer, soil color and texture, topographic setup
and water retention seasonal variability ALNP roughly delineated in three major
ecosystems, several communities and distinct habitats, these are Reverine and
Seasonal Wetland Ecosystems (RSWE), Mixed Wooded Grassland Ecosystem
(MWGE) and Shrub and Scrubland Ecosystems (SSE). Using Braun Blanquet or
Releve Techniques developed in 1974 estimated area of each ecosystem comprise 15-20%,
65-70% and 20-25% respectively. Ecosystems in Alatish have extremely different face in
seasons that requires intervention accordingly.

All ecosystems and its components are suffered from threats mainly by Fellata nomads
through overgrazing, hunting, firing, collection and harvesting plant products. Major
threats were evaluated by its severity, scope and ranking. Measuring results in
overgrazing and habitat fragmentation by inimical activities of Fellata remains very high
on all ecological units.

The critical value of biodiversity was also assed estimating their values described as
values classified in four categories such as use value, option value, pre cautionary value
and existence value.

Ecosystem components in Alatish perform their life function through interdependence in
various ways. Living in the same habitats in one or other ways one depend on other for
survival as a source of food, shelter and indictor. The situation drives to develop efficient
management and utilization scheme which could create healthy ecosystems in Alatish.

Ecosystem threats of ALNP are priority threats that need call on urgent management
decision identified are: Poaching and encroachment, Seasonal overgrazing, Habitat
Competition, Incomplete Ecosystem, Cutting of wild animals seasonal local migration or
internal movement route, Recurrent fire, Unviable population Size, Deforestation,
Seasonal Water Shortage and inaccessibility.
Management zones of Alatish delineated in functional approach management zone are
used to improve ERVs of the park. Alatish management zone is delineated as Core area,
buffer zone and development zone.
Currently ALNP is an infant stage in infrastructure facilities and characterized as
inaccessible for facilitated management. The infrastructure of Alatish includes sites
outside the park which cater multipurpose services to the development of the park. There
are 9 nearest villages rendering various services to the park
There are 19 proposed post sites that would be developed and facilitated in progressive
management effort. At present only five post site Bambaho (Bayiwa), Derahasen,
Mehadid, Megenagna and Gerara are functional and relatively facilitated. Other three
Bermel, Yelkuk and Amjalie have only hand dug water access. The rest 11 post sites are
not established yet.
ALNP is endowed with a variety of spectacular sites There are 17 most spectacular hill
and could be used as view points are Amerkuba, Dinner and Hamitish in the north; Albid,
Bemure, Berenta, Nigela and Abamerafa in the east; Demir, Mulugeta teara, and Tsequa
in the central; Amdok, Almetania and Omedila in the west and Balankure, Abunta and
Aybeza in the south.
Before legally protected as a national park ALNP was categorized as one of priority forest
area of Ethiopia due to its naturalness. It is a conservation area of rare, endangered and
conservation dependant species, ecological services, scientific research and tourism are
ecological issues may be addressed in future research works.

The most and urgent task of ecological units of the park is prohibiting devastative Fellata
nomads activities. There is an opportunity to accomplish this task. Fellata are getting in
to Alatish in October and evacuate in June using only two entrance line.
Detail investigation of ecological resources units that cause conflict between park
management and local community.
The possible utilization system of some ecological units from the core area that are
abundant and vanish with its own and replaced could be utilized reconciling utilization
and conservation system of these component. For instance, collection dried bamboo both
on buffer and excess in the core areas.
Frequent monitoring and assessment of ecological resources and activities inimical to
ecological resources should be rearranged with relevant stakeholders at required time.
The possible access of important ecological sites should be facilitated, water points,
observation sites and campsites that could be used pointers of attractions. Internal roads
and other infrastructure should be delineated when they are not haphazardly affecting
natural settings of adjacent areas.
In its zoological context Alatish is a vast natural habitat and had and had been home of
various type of wild animal. 37 mammalian species of which 8 area not recently (last 15
years) seen, 204 bird species of 143s diversity and abundance is studied, 23 species of
rodents and 6 species of insectivores and 7 types of reptiles and amphibians with various
species are found.

The floristic composition of Alatish has the more striking and fascinating feature and
divers multilayered self regulating through fast growth after the long dry season
devastation by fire and nomads taping for overgrazing. In this rapid field assessment 130
species plants with different habit 84 tree and shrub, 29 herbs of food and medicinal
plants and 17 grass species in their distinct habitats.

Alatish is classified in to six distinct vegetation communities that fall in three ecosystems.
(1) Riverine Woodland, (2) Wooded Grassland (3) Wooded (4) Bamboo Woodland
(5) Open Grassland and (6) Shrubs and Short Trees vegetations spatially distributed
in three ecosystems RSWE, SSE and MWGE. Riverine, Grasslands and Wetland are in
RSWE, Wooded, Wooded Grassland and Bamboo forest are in MWGE and Shrub and
Short tree vegetation in SSE.

Over all vegetation of Alatish is characterized by undifferentiated woody plain with
distinct faces in dry and wet season. Alatish exhibits dens and fast growing self
rehabilitating vegetation strata that ranges from multilayered luxurious plant in RSWE to
open shrubs and outcropped surfaced scattered trees in SSE. Majority of canopy tree
species about 95% are deciduous in different times. Most of them shed ether leaves before
December while Blanites aegyptiaca leaves remain unshed and Z. spine Christi in
February while some regenerate in March and the actual time of re-establishment is in
May. The size and densities of vegetation cover follows the characteristics of soil texture
and water holding capacity.

Timely measure is required through developing participatory management as a
sustainable solution. Establishing collaborative management and control with frequent
monitoring could bring significant changes with short period of time. As vegetation of
Alatish is self regenerating minimizing over use and controlling inimical to park
management may only required to rehabilitate the natural set of vegetation in Alatish.
Primarily by evacuating Fellata nomads and developing effective management plan.

The land use pattern and mode of utilization and decisions need for land use planning
address the changing needs and pressures involving competing uses for the same land.
Even when land is still plentiful like in Quara in which Alatish is found, many people may
have inadequate access to land or the benefits from its use due to improper management
and utilization of resources. As a result the degradation of forest, water resources, wild
lifes etc in general loss in biodiversity is aggravated.

The problem of land degradation in Alatish is due to conflicts among different land uses
are too much magnified as forest land with arable land; forest land with Nomadic; forest
land with built-up area.

The major land uses identified in the park are: open wood land and open shrub grass land.
This exactly matches with the major ecosystems of Alatish delineated as Mixed Wooded
Grasslands, Shrub and Scrublands and Riverine and Seasonal Wetlands with various
habitats and communities. For land use naturally Alatish is endowed with spectacular
flat plain wooded and mixed grassland that have different communities, rivers with
numerous tributaries, hills which can show endless view of green mat of natural cover,
seasonal wetland with its special water content and fishing. Cultivated land and
deforested plots in buffer zone and scattered villages which grow as a potential threat for
the park if they are not properly managed.

On the eastern side of the park from Mehadid to Gerara between beckon 4 to 8 almost 70%
of the buffer zone is cultivated or extensively used for activities beyond management
objectives. . According to Alatish park office 2008 report, in north eastern part of the park
around beckon 7 and 8 in Mehadid and Gerara 771 farmers are cultivating about 1552 ha
of land in the buffer zone of which 10 farmers are plowing about 20ha inside the park.
Now the park office, kebele and Woreda administrations are trying to make the necessary
arrangement to solve the problem but not yet solved. In the same way some 1 to 2 km of
buffer zone around Amjalie between beckon 19 and 20 deforested and one farm plot
estimated about 5 ha is cultivated inside the park. However, negotiation with Kebele
administrator and effective follow up of parks scouts, these deforested farm plots on the
buffer zone and core area are now abandoned. Farmers have agreed not to continue on
such illegal activities. However, the number of park scouts and community park councils
should be increased and necessary facilities timely arranged for effective close follow up.

As of the Rapid assessment result Alatish is full of different species of fauna and flora. But
these valuable resources are subject to different threats like resettlement programs,
investments seasonal grazing and the seasonal nomads living inside the park.
Therefore in order to conserve and sustainably use the available forest resources of Alatish
National park. It is better to have a detail management plan of the park; evacuate
seasonal nomads and hunters; decisions have to be mad on resettlement programs around
the park; expand the Alatish National park to the neighboring National regional states
like Benishangul Gumz to protect the expansion of desertification and to increase the
home range for animals like Elephant and lion; develop effective wildlife utilization and
management establishing trans-boundary and effective communication of park authorities
with official in Dinder national park for both mutual benefits.

One of most impressing and unique characteristics of ALNP is its hydrological system.
Alatish is endowed with various rivers, seasonal wetland and large flood plain in wet
season as a major hydrological system estimated to cover 15-20% of the core area of the
park.

All rivers have attracting seasonal character. Alatish and Gelegu sink in the golden sandy
river course in dry season. Of which the name of Alatish is given by the indigenous Arabic
speaking Gumuz nationalities as the water sinks in the sandy river bed no surface water
is seen in dry season (Moa Altish). The traditional people and nomads from Sudan
develop water trough digging 1 to 2 meter of sandy river bed to drink hundred thousands
of their cattle and other animal sustainably in the long dry season. Hence water in Alatish
and in the lower course of Gelegue flows as surface in wet season and under sandy bed in
dry season which is the most striking and spectacular adjustment to minimize extreme
evaporation of water in the long dry season.

It is natural mechanism to support biological resources and interdependence of living
organisms with its surrounding physical resources which provides the meaning of
complete ecosystem. While Ayima River is physically dominated by rocky bed and huge
stones resistant to move by large volume of water force in wet season (May to
November). Ayima River is intermittent in the long dry season leaving big ponds with
in short distance. Most of ponds are hided in between big canopy trees and cave shaped
huge stones which minimizes the intensity of sunlight. The native communities Gumuz
living in the river banks of Ayima to the direction of Beshangul Gumuz are specialized
in traditional fishing techniques could create potential hazards not only fishes but also
other animals can be hunted.

Ayima River is rich in variety of reptile and fishes. 26 species of fish have been identified.
Various types of fish and reptiles used as a main source of food and exported to Soudan on
which the livelihood of indigenous Gumuz people living along Ayima River depends.

Many of tributaries of Alatish, Ayima and Gelegu have numerous pools some of which my
retain water under sandy bed throughout the dry season. However, detail characteristics
of main rivers, their tributaries and potentials are not known.

Other striking hydrological system of Alatish is the presence of seasonal wetlands
(Sambri) and muddy (Mezega) areas that support many life forms and major wildlife and
human conflict is prevalent in the long dry season. Seasonal wetlands of Alatish are
characterized by grassy patches of land devoid of woody trees with various size and shape.
A thin striped Sambri covers 1-3 km length around Glegu River in Amejalie to Alga.
Where as circular and rectangular shaped Sumbries of a single patch comprises about 0.2
to 3 sq km and interrupted by drained soils. Sambris are used as a main source of fishing
for export to Sudan in a large quantity. To provide estimated quantity, since mostly
fishing is illegal and needs to assess from the middle of wet season (August) to 1/3 of water
is remaining (October). Fishing in Sambri is harvested only once a year because of absence
of water.

Prohibited fishing gears like poisoning with Birbira (Milletia ferruginea), Lalo (Balanites
egyptiaca) and the most destructive way of fishing with chemicals like Malathion have to
be restricted before mass destruction of fish and other living things in the water body
occurs. Therefore, immediate assessment and awareness creation should be done towards
this end.

Preservative methods and transporting methods for fishermen should be designed to
enable them to sell their catch in areas where price of fish is attractive.

Deforestation of the riparian forest will be an ultimate event by the newly settled farmers
taken from most exploited areas to the virgin ones, where those rivers are found, then for
cropping and livestock production activities those important flora species for the existence
of fish species grown on the bank of rivers hanging over their branches at pooled water
body will be damaged, therefore, attentions should be given to conserve them.

All discussions on matters related to hydrological system requires effective management
system calls for preparation of general management plan for the park and specific to
hydrological system in which all life depends and at the same time if not properly
managed it is a source of conflict among living entities including human.

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is located in the horn of Africa. It is tenth largest country in Africa (1,132,895 sq
km) and third in population (71,066,000 million in 2003) (UN-WATER/WWAP, 2004).
Geologically Ethiopias present various and spectacular biophysical feature developed form
formation of Precambrian resistant rock which have been intensively folded but have
eventually washed down by prolonged erosion to extensive flatlands and the breaking up
of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland and are overlain by sub horizontal
Mesozoic marine strata and tertiary basalt traps with complex uplift in the upper Eocene
as part of the Arabo-Ethiopian swell across which the formation of the rift valley formed
latter on (Alois Nagl in C. Puff, 2001 ).

Ethiopia is endowed with various biophysical features and socio-cultural heritages.
Biodiversity of an area is indicated by richness of species that display genetic variations
which provide free of charge services and earns hundreds of billons of Ethiopian birr per
year (IBDC, 2005). Many of natural and cultural heritages are endemic However, only few
are known and scientifically studied. Studies conducted in the last quarter of a century
shows that Ethiopia has a total of 277 terrestrial mammals, 862 bird, 201 reptile, 63
amphibians, 150 fishes and 324 butterfly species of animals and over 7000 species of
plants. Among these 31 mammals, 16 birds 24 amphibians 4 fish, 9 reptiles and 7
butterfly species of animals and 12-15% are endemic (Medehin Zewudie 2002 and Million
Bekele 2001). However, their values significant local and national role is not largely
recognized at all level. As result many of these wildlife resources are declining at an
alarming rate due to the wining behavior of human to other resources and low level of
conservation and rehabilitation effort.

The Amhara National Regional State is one of the most natural wealth endowed regions in
Ethiopia. Amhara National Regional state (ANRS), is one of the 3rd largest in area
(161828 km
2
). It is located in the north-western part of the country and is sub-divided in to
11 administrative zones and 138 weredas (Districts) in the recent Decomposition of the
Region by the Regional Government. The population size is (19.67 million) in year 2008
with growth rate of 2.9 / year. Projections show that the population will reach 21.6 million
in year 2010 (BoFED, 2008)
The region has wide and a very varied agro climatic zone possesses most scenic and
biologically fascinating places and cultural heritage sites. One of these places is legally
protected SMNP known for its breathtaking beautiful landscape and home for many fauna
and flora; ten mammals and seven bird endemic species including Walia ibex, Gelada
baboon and Ethiopian wolf (PaDPA, 2007). Rock hewn churches of Lalibela, monasteries
and 17 priority forest areas (IBDC, 2005) that maintained remnants of montane forest and
natural features of vegetation. Recent studies have shown that the Amhara Region has
about 450 species of birds and 50 species of larger mammals of which four large mammals
and eight bird species are endemic to Amhara/Ethiopia. The importance of preserving
those prestigious wildlife resources for economic development is paramount issue.
However, studies and conservation efforts are extremely minimal.

Other areas Denkoro Chaka in South Wollo and Menze Guassa Community Forest in
North Shewa at final stage of legalization are a home of wildlife and attractive natural
settings and cultural heritages. The source and upper course of Abay (Blue Nile) and lake
Tana with its cultural and social components; the newly established Abay Milinim Park
that extends from the mouth of Tana to Tisiat (Blue Nile Fall); Abay Sheleko forest
Reverine and Scrub lands interrupted by hills and valley with various wildlife species that
extends from Basoliben to Alzeb (Wonberma) in East and West Gojjam respectively, along
Abay river which covers about 152 km distance and about 100,000 ha without legal
protection and ownership at one side of Abay river; Tekeze, Awash, Beles and Ayma river
basin and their vicinities, Abune Yosef, Ambaferit and Chokie mountainous areas top
meadows and surrounding escarpments; extensive endless mosaic lowland areas of
western flat lands of Alatish, Jawi and Merab Achefer and Eastern lowlands are the top
attractions found in the region. All these are found in the wide range of altitudes 530masl
Western lowlands (North of Alatish) to the highest peak of the country 4533masl (Ras
Dejen) as main source of biophysical diversity.
Most of these areas are not intensively studied and mainly known by their names. Their
conservation, rehabilitation and priceless ecological services are not clearly identified and
wildlife resources are not quantified and enumerated. Rather extensive exploitation of
resources and utilization through activities inimical to maintain natural settings such as
deforestation, cultivation and settlement are unwisely practice. As a result depletion of
overall natural settings are extensively aggravated. The present rehabilitation and
conservation effort seems not in the position to rehabilitate within short period of time. In
most areas of flora and fauna species are not quantified to determine conservation status
and ecological complex.
Though the region is rich in natural and cultural resources paradoxically the number of
protected areas and the income from protected areas is extremely low. The region is losing
invaluable natural resources which could generate high income if managed in protected
area systems. However recently there is high will and commitment by the regional
government to increase the number of protected areas such Alatish, Denkoro and Menz
Guassa and the necessary budget requested to protect and manage natural components of
these parks and additional areas under study. To execute this huge and indispensable
mandate the regional state established Parks Development and Protection Authority
(PaDPA) in 2003 by proclamation no 96/2003 of the Amhara region. PaDPA is the regional
highest legal competent institution to manage and administer parks and natural protected
areas in the region.

The authority is mandated to study, legalize, protect, develop administer protected areas
in the region including the already established Simen mountains national park. Since its
emergence, PaDPA was engaged in capacity building. At this moment, the authority has
two legally established parks Simien Mountains National Park and Alatish national Park
(ALNP) and under legalizing process Denkoro National Park and Menz Guassa
Community Conservation and other many areas under study in the legally protected areas
level, there are protected area offices which are directly responsible to PaDPA with
facilitating structure in accomplishing different activities.

Alatish is in North Gondar Administrative Zone Quara woreda. It covers an area of land,
which is more than 266,570 hectares (2,665.7 Km
2
). It shares boundaries with in the west
to Sudan (Dinder National Park) about 74km (arial) boarder distance , in the south to
Benshangul Gumuz National Regional State with Ayima river, in the east to Bambaho
and Gelgu and in the north to Mehadid, Brermel, Gumz Wuha and Mosabadema peasant
associations of Quara Woreda. Before 2005 it was delineated as a priority forest area with
rarely monitored and poor managed.

ALNP was established legally in 20
th
February 2006 published in regional legal issues
publication news letter Zekere Heg by regional council. General, assessment studies have
been conducted on its potential to continue as protected area and national park surveying
biodiversity resources, topography, ecological, economical and conservation value. The
summary of reports and status of the park was send to IUCN for registration as a national
park in May 2006 by federal government FWDCD.

ALNP consists of natural vegetation type, which is characterized by various types of wood
lands with undifferentiated vegetation cover. Alatish has unique biotypes which are not
included in any of protected areas of the country that consists Sudan Guinea Biome.
Permanent rivers bordering the park like Ayma and Gelegu provide fishery resources to
the local communities besides being the main water sources of people and animals.

Natural resources of the park are highly threatened by extreme hunting, seasonal grazing
and chasing, firing, defores. Preparation GMP is a paramount document to provide all
decisions and to use as implementation guide for management and utilization issues of the
park and resources reconciling utilization demand of the community and conservation
benefit. To establish effective GMP relevant data and current situation should be recorded
and presented which is accomplished in preplanning phase by data gathering and
manipulation team status report. Management plan serves as a frame work to guide all
activities for better use and conservation of these resources.

PaDPA was played a leading role in requesting fund, mobilizing resources and experts
from various institutions and disciplines. Experts prepared field work procedures and data
sheet as a TOR presented for discussion forum which attended by funding source
representatives forwarded valuable comments that strengthen the quality of data
collected. Field work and facilities were timely arranged by both PaDPA and assessment
team. ALNP office and Woreda administration were arranged required man power and
facilities. Follow up activities and supervision by PaDPA through frequent communication
with funding source representatives. Monitoring and evaluation commences from team
leader report on preparation and the status of every activity to PaDPA. The report
includes field data collection process, summary report after field work through draft rapid
assessment document and submitted at a right time. The field data collection was taken
15 days. The team leader and participating experts were arranged frequent
communication schedule to timely prepare full document write up.
The assessment team was broadly categorized in to six fields of assessment:
Socioeconomic, Ecological, Vegetation, Zoology, Land Use, and Hydrological Systems. Each
field had its own methods in collecting relevant information with frequent discussion and
data exchange. The draft report was prepared in each field that could be merged into one
full-fledged document after discussion with PaDPA and funding source officers or after
brief discussion on each field. Here, combined summery from each field of study presented
as follows.

ALNP consists of natural or near natural vegetation type, which is characterized by
various types of river sides, valleys, woodlands, fauna and flora that needs close
management attention. It needs to develop cooperative management systems with
different stakeholders for resources that Alatish National Park comprises that crosses
national boundary and extending to Sudans Dinder National Park. All activities need a
general management guideline. So, the operational procedures, successes and failures can
be recorded while implementing, it guides future actions and decisions. Thus management
plan provides many advantages to protected areas and the organization in general.
Without them, serious problems can happen and work will go on haphazardly. So,
preparation of management plan is crucial.

After compilation and establishment of management plan activities will run accordingly.
Moreover the successes and failures can be identified while implementing through proper
monitoring and evaluation as well as guides used in future actions and decisions.



CHAPTER ONE

I. INTRODUCTION

Alatish was proposed as a national park ideally during Emperor Haile Silase of Ethiopia in 1941
realizing its significance for wildlife, ecological and tourism management when he returns from exile
due to Ethiopian-Italian war. Since that time many attempts were made to provide legal status as a
National Park. Alatish National Park legally established 2006 and has been used to protect natural and
scenic areas that have local, national and international significance for tourism, science, educational,
spiritual and recreational values.

Legalization of Alatish as a National Park was a basic step moving through participatory boundary
demarcation with the local community and other relevant stakeholders. Collaborative field assessment of
FWDCD and PaDPA in 2006 was done to evaluate Alatish National Park in relation to category II of the
IUCN criteria. The study team concluded that Alatish National Park fulfills the principal objectives of a
national park and strongly recommended to be included in category II of the World Conservation Union
(IUCN) protected area system. Studies done so far revealed that Alatish harbors endangered and rare
species and also lower risk but conservation dependant mammals, birds and many ground and tree
squirrels, reptiles and amphibians (Chere Enawgaw et al, 2006).

For long, the place left free of human settlements because of its relatively climatic hostility and
remoteness. That is why it is one of the near natural state sites in the country to this date. Different
community groups live around Alatish National Park; the main ones are Gumuz, Agews, Amhara and
other nomadic communities who mainly come from neighboring countries in search of grazing land for
their cattle. These communities used to utilize as a sources of hunting, collecting honey, construction
materials and grazing etc. However, their pressure is controllable by doing some development activates
in the buffer zone for these communities. The pressure first of all does not come from land resources
shortage but rather it was assumed as free land to be used by any one. Now it is delineated as a national
park and many of administrative activities established. But, still many of field assessment works in
socioeconomic, ecological, zoological, botanical, land use and hydrological aspect which is the main
target of this study was not intensively implemented. This rapid assessment was intended to verify
wildlife and socioeconomic situation as a state of ALNP that could provide information for further detail
effort and development of GMP.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The over all goal of the rapid assessment work is to generate dependable and updated information to be
used as input for GMP preparation. Specifically, generates delineates different ecosystems and their
components; land use socio-cultural dynamics and threats of the park. Develop document in the form of
description of the protected area as State of ALNP report that comprise management gaps and relevant
stakeholder of the park, solutions and opportunities.

Specifically the objectives of the study aimed to collect and identify:
Available socioeconomic information as possible which will help to investigate the social and economic
aspects of life at Alatish National in a way to prepare the GMP
Major ecosystems, associated communities and background information on different ecological units,
sort-out ecological threats, management effort and opportunities

Botanical resources on the vegetation structure, composition, distribution and delineate different
vegetation management zone.

The parks wildlife composition in order to implement effective management plan for sustainable
conservation of wildlife, population status, the main threats of wildlife and values of wildlife
Indicative land uses which could be a base for the detailed management plan of the park, delineate
different management zones and threats opportunities and possible solutions

Hydrological system and seasonal feature with associated biological resources, the apparent and
potential threats for biological resources in the hydrological system possible solutions and opportunities.

1.2 METHODOLOGY AND THE APPROACHS OF THE STUDY

The assessment work was accomplished based on methodologies developed prior to field work
inception. General and secondary information were collected from PaDPA, Park Office and other
sectors in Quara at woreda level. The assessment team focused on two spatial features first at village
level to collect data on socioeconomic, perception and traditional knowledge using FGD, Key informant
and local authorities. Second using field visit on selected representative sites along the way relevant
biophysical data were collected. At destination point all visible wildlife, threats and scars were collected.
Major habitats characterized and delineated with their components. In more specific ways the study
focused on.
Discussion with community administrators, elders and representatives on
- Community Awareness, perception and utilization of park resources
- Management and control system of the park
- Problems associated with park management
- Major threats of the park
Field visit using point and line transect on prior selected sites
- Habitat type
- Major plant species
- Vegetation type
- Physical nature of the soil (Colour)
- Natural settings rivers, mountains and wetlands
- Land use and distribution
- Threats and major causes
Descriptive analysis and excel broad sheet were used for data analysis and interpretation of possible lists
of flora and fauna with associated biophysical features and socio economic characteristics. Finally,
conclusions and recommendation are forwarded for possible amendment of park threats which can be
addressed by GMP preparation and implementation.

1.3 OUTPUTS OF THE STUDY

The rapid assessment was conducted in six fields of study and results from each study are presented
separately. Overall, from these investigations specific reports for action will be developed for GMP
development. Specifically; the outputs expected from the application and implementation of the study
will be:
- Help for understanding of livelihood strategies of local communities, as a basis for informed
intervention by interested partners in development of management strategies.
- Helps to the development of appropriate conservation of natural resources and park management
strategies for park authorities and relevant policy makers
- It incorporates opportunities for sustainable use of resources in the park, which enables the local
community to manage the park for improved livelihoods, which calls sustainable land management
and utilization.
- Helps for the adoption and adaptation of suitable park resources management practices among the
surrounding local communities and relevant stakeholders
- It helps to show the integration of socioeconomic factors, land use and resource utilization hence
there will participatory responsibility that could reduce threats on the park
- It greatly assists to address the management objectives of the park i.e. conservation, scientific
research, aesthetic and tourism which maximize different options of use values through development
of effective GMP.

1.4. THE SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Alatish is vast in its spatial, biophysical and socioeconomic resources. The study was supported with
information available from different primary and secondary sources at field level. Multidisciplinary
approach was used to address socioeconomic, ecological, botanical, zoological, land use and water
resources status of ALNP and its vicinities. For socioeconomic studies all kebeles that are adjacent to
the park are accessed through Focused Group Discussion (FGD). For field expedition to execute
wildlife, ecological and land use studies the accessible areas and representative sites; Amjalie, das
Terara (Amrakuba)- Laydinnar, Mehadid- Demir and Ayima River were selected.

The document was responsible for rapid assessment as demanded by the client hence; most of the
discussions are not expected to be analytical. The study was limited to gather over all available
information and assess the status; thereby some relevant information may not be addressed.

In addition, since there were few or no studies about the park there was shortage of secondary
information. These factors might limit the information access on what the user of this document expects.




















Gelegu-Alatish

Fig 1.1 Main Roads in Western Amhara and Alatish National Park

1.5 ORGANIZATION AND MONITORING

PaDPA had taken a leading role in requesting fund, mobilizing resources and experts from various
institutions and disciplines. Experts from various institution were prepared field work procedures and
data sheet as a TOR presented on discussion forum which attended by funding source representatives,
thereby, valuable comments that strengthen the quality of data forwarded and activities were scheduled.
Field work and facilities were timely arranged by both PaDPA, ALNP office Quara woreda
administration down to kebele level. Further follow up and supervision done by PaDPA with frequent
communication with funding source authorities. The team was lead by facilitating leader responsible to
PaDPA manager. The monitoring and evaluation commences from team leader report on preparation and
the status of every activity at field level and during consolidation of reports from various discipline in to
one document. The report includes field data collection process, summary report after field work
through draft rapid assessment document and submitted at a right time. The field data collection was
taken 25 days. The team leader and participating experts were arranged frequent communication
schedule to timely prepare full and consolidated document write up.

1.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

1.6.1 Location and Topography of ALNP

Alatish is located between 11
0
475.4 to 12
0
313.6N latitude and 35
0
1548 to 35
0
4851 E.
longitude in north western flat plain part of Ethiopia. The general topography of Alatish is flat to
undulating plain with general slope inclination from south to north interrupted by valleys, streams,
scattered hills, and seasonal wetland. Acording to Mesfin Wolde Mariam, 1972 the geological formation
processes which divided the whole of Ethiopia in to four major physiognomic regions places Alatish
under associated low lands of the north western highlands.

ALNP falls within Nile Basin found in east of Soudans Dander National Park (DNP). It shares about
74km (Arial) its western boarder with DNP with possibility of forming a new trans-boundary park.
Alatish were not severely devastated and could be covered with Acacia, Terminalia and Balanites spp
dominated by undifferentiated scattered wooded grasslands.

Alatish is bordered by Gelegu River in the northern edge Amejalie to Alga, south and south east Ayima
River with Beshangule Gumez Regional State. Gumuz villages at Bambahoo, Bayiwa in Quara and
Aybeza, Abunta, Aygumba, Kuslie Hymenshmis, Balankure and Omedela to the direction of Beshangul
Gumuz National Regional State (BGNRS) are villages along Ayima River inhibited by indigenous
Gumuz ethnic group.

In eastern and north eastern bordering Kebeles (the lower administrative units) the Amhara ethnic group
composed of settlers from highlands of different parts of the region and Agew are inhabited in
Bmabahoo, Gelegu, Mehadid, Gerara, Gumuz Wuha, Marwuha and Dubaba of Quara Woreda.

Topographically, ALNP falls within the flat endless plains interrupted by scattered rocky hills and
multilayered wooded and shrub lands with in Blue Nile Basin at the western foot of north western
Ethiopian highlands.

1.6.2 Climate and Agro ecology

The climate of Alatish is a major cause of wildlife change of habitats and regulates migration routs and
distribution inside and outside the park in wet and dry seasons and viability of their number across the
seasons. The climate of Alatish is characterized by two extremes moist cloudy wet (May to October) and
hot dry (December to April) seasons. Effective rain starts in May peaks in July. The wettest and driest
months are July and April respectively. Unfortunately there is no weather station in Quara Woreda.
Referring to near by weather station at Genda Wuha capital of Metema Woreda the annual rainfall of the
area goes up to 800 mm and mean monthly temperature are between 13.6 to 19.2
o
c minimum and 34
0
c
to 41.1
o
c maximum (Cherie Enawugaw et al, 2006). The mean altitude ranges from 500 masl around
(Alga) in the northern flat plain to 900 around (Tsequa) hills in southern part. According to Ethiopian
agro climatic classification the place falls within hot to warm sub moist zone (AFAP 1999). It represents
the Sudan-Guinea Savanna Biome/ecological zone of Quara Woreda of North Gondar administrative
zone. Agro ecologically, Alatish falls in hot-to-worm sub moist agro ecology.


Human intervention and movement of nomads, poachers, wild plant and their product collection
activities largely depend on climate. Nomads and hunters inter in to Alatish in dry season. Activities
inimical to the natural status are extensively practiced in dry season (December to April). While in wet
season Alatish rehabilitates to its natural multilayer vegetation status and most of wild animals stay in
their original habitats and breeding sites. Fellata tribes, seasonally migrating nomads with about eight
hundred thousands of cattle and half million shoats from Sudan uses Alatish for grazing, hunting and
deforestation. Poachers, forest honey, bamboo and other plant part collectors enter in to Alatish only in
dry season. Hence climate of Alatish is a major regulator of human intervention.

Monthly mean maximum temperature and monthly mean minimum temperature at Metema station
ranges from 30.0 0C during August to 42.8 0C during April and 15.4 0C in December to 24.1 0C in
April respectively (Fig.1. 2). Mean monthly Rainfall at the same station ranges from 0.00 mm during
December, January and Feburary to 252.78 mm in August (Fig.1.3)

0
50
100
150
200
250
300
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V
D
E
C
Months
R
a
i
n
f
a
l
l

(
m
m
)
Mean Rainfall
(mm)

Fig.1.2 Mean monthly Rainfall at Metema station from 2004-2007 (Ethiopian Meteorological Agency,
2008).

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
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Mont hs
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p
e
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(
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)
Mean min Tem
(OC)
Mean max Tem
(OC)

Fig.1.2 Monthly Mean maximum and minimum temperature at Metema station from 2004-2007
(Ethiopian Meteorological Agency, 2008).







CHAPTER TWO

II. SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK





































Fig.2.1 Focus group discussion with local communities in the field (Amhara and Gumuz Tribes)





2.1 . FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION
ASSESSMENT

a) site description of the study area

Alatish National Park (ALNP) : is found in ANRS North Gondar Administrative Zone in Quara woreda.
It covers an area of land, which is more than 266570 hectares. It shares boundaries with International
border with Sudan about 74km (Arial) distance in the west to Sudan (Dinder National Park), in the south
along Hyma River (Dider in Sudan) from Bambaho to Omedel at boarders to Benshangul Gumuz
National Regional State, in the East Bambaho and Gelgu, in the North east to Mehadid, in the North
Bermel and Mosa Badema Kebeles of Quara Woreda . It is almost 565 Kms away from the Regional
capital Bahirdar and is about 1130 km away from Addis Ababa. More over it is 13 kms away from the
west of Woreda Capital, Gelegu.


Fig 2.2 map of Quara Woreda and park Adjucent PAs

2.1.1 Social situation of local communities

2.1.1.1 Population and socio-cultural features

i) Population size and characteristics

The findings and analysis for population assessment is based on the understanding that the park area is
affected in two ways, which is said to be people adjacent to the park and people which are a little bit far
from the park, but will have effect on the park .With this approach the Quara Woreda is broken down in
two groups ,which includes the first 5 adjacent group of Pas and their population which have high
effect and the second 14 surrounding Pas and their people which will have effect.

Population Size: The demographic and population study relays on to the interpolation taken in
2000(2008) the figure from the 1987(1994) CSA housing and population census the Quara Woreda
Administration and Health Office census of the 2004-2007 settled people,. The exploitation of the above
sources shows that the total population of the Quara Wereda in 2000(2008) have reached 81939
(M=44334,F=37605) and among this house holds are 22702(M=19301,F=3401) as shown in table 2.1

Table 2.1 Population of the Quara Woreda
Category(characteristics
of the people
Adj.PAs Far
Pas

M M Total %
share
1 Households 9896 12806 22702
Male 8260 11041 19301 85
Female 1636 1765 3401 15
2 Household families 21837 37401 59238
Male 9154 15879 25033 42
Female 12683 21522 34205 58
3 Total population 31733 50207 81939
Male 17414 26920 44334 54
Female 14319 23287 37605 46
Source : CSA, Quara Woreda HO,and Self interpolation

Moreover, from the analysis it is possible to understand greater than 39% of the population is in living in
adjacent kebeles, where as 61% is in far kebeles

Age and Sex composition and Dependency Ratio: The composition is the very important indicator of
demographic studies, since analysis of these compositions is required in socio-economic development
planning,

The distribution of the surveyed population into different age brackets is consistent with the typical
demographic structure of the population in developing countries with high children population.

Hence in Quara the high proportions of the population fall under the age group of 15-64 years with 51%
percent of the total population, and another largest proportion of the age groups fall in the age group of
0-15 years that holds 47% percent of the total and above 64 are sharing 2 %.

Table 2. 2 Population composition by age group in Quara
No Agegroup

AD

FAR
Total
Male Female total Male Female total Male Female total %
Share
1 <14 8389 6628 15017 12969 10779 23748
21358 17407 38766 47
2 1564 8651 7325 15977 13374 11913 25287
22025 19239 41264 51
3 Above64
365 255
620
564 414
978
930 668 1598 2
17406 14208 31614 26907 23107 50013
44312 37315 81627 100

Population projections for 30 years: The population of the park area will show fast growth like any
places in the region as long as the annual growth rate of the rural population is high and the place is
subjected to high in migration.

The population is growing by approximately 2.63% a year naturally and 0.25% of migration rate and
total growth rate of 2.92%, in part due to higher birth than death rates, but significantly, because the area
is attractive to migrants typically in search of improved resource opportunities

This will have effect especially on park resources and this park is very vital to this challenge. Table
below shows the population size and changes currently and expected for the next 15 and 30 years.

Table 2. 3 population size and change in Quuara
Population summary Unit Total
Total current population-2000(2008) Person 81939
No of house holds-current Family 59238
Projected population after 15 yrs Person 1527356
Projected population after 30 yrs. Person 3795099
Population estimated to be increased in 30
years time
Person 3713161
Source: Self interpolation

ii) Migration

a)Permanent migration:

High number of the population is not native to the area. The area is highly popular with outsiders.
Among the 81939 total population of the Quara Woreda, only 49190 are native people where as 32749
are migrants for settlement reasons. A considerable 40% of the population is migrants to the area by
Government settlement programs from 1995 to 1999. Only 60% are born in their village environs. Their
places of origin vary considerably, from across North and South Gondar Zone Woredas which includes
Lay and Tachi Gayint, Ebinat, Belesa, Simada Libokemkem, Estie,Wogera Adiarkay ,chilga, Metema,
Lay-Quara,Alefa ,East Gojjam(Shebel Berenta).

The survey indicates settler movement into the area at least since the 2003 (1995), at a steadily
increasing rate up to 2007 (1999), and with high decline In 2008 (2000) to normal migration due to the
fact that settlement is not undertaken in this year.

b) Seasonal migration:
Both quantitative data and qualitative data gathered make it apparent that seasonal migration is high
towards the park adjacent Kebele and to inside the park. More than 1500 people are expected to arrive to
these places every year. Among this figure local migrants are expected to be up to 600, and the Inter-
boundary migrants which are said to be Fellata account for 900.

Reasons for migration and Timeline: The reason for migration is connected to the origin of these
migrants. Those local migrants are high land people from North and South Gondar zone Woredas, who
have been suffering from persistent drought, landlessness, and overall poverty, these reasons initiate
migrants for migration decision to the place like Quara which is with immense potential of resources for
better life .

For Migrants who come from neighboring countries like Sudan, this is due to their nomadic nature and
the extended cattle size they have, which ca not be accommodated back their home country. Both
quantitative data and qualitative data gathered make it apparent that the areas attraction to outsiders is
the prospect of opportunities in Quara Woreda in general and Aaltish Park in particular. This abundance
is in terms of vast fertile land, unexploited and huge cattle feed, full year rivers and abundance of
agricultural labor market and family connection is also another reason for migration.

An estimated 70% of migrants came to the area for cattle feed, 5% for looking for farm land, 10% for
agricultural labor, and around 2% for family visiting

Table 2. 4 Seasonal migrants estimation to Quuara
Reason for Coming Estimated figure Percentage %
Looking for cattle feed 930 60
Looking for farm land 50 3
Migrant agricultural labour 350 23
Family Connections 200 13
Business Opportunities 20 1
1550
Source: Self survey
The time of migration is depending on the type of reason, i.e either for cattle feeding, agriculture, labor,
family visiting, and the like ,the following table summarizes the time of migration.

Table 2. 5 Time of seasonal migration
Reason Time of migration-
in
Time of migration-Out Waiting
months
Looking for cattle feed November End of June 8 months
Looking for farm land May Get to permanent
resident
Migrant agricultural
labour
Mid May-June
September-October November 5 months
Family Connections All year
Business Opportunities All year Get to permanent
resident
Source: Self survey

c) International Seasonal Migration of Fellata

Fellata is the local name given to nomad people who are coming from neighboring Sudan to Alatish
National park looking for cattle feed .Based on the local information they are believed came from
Nigeria long time ago to the Sudan ,and live inside Sudan in Summer times ,and come to Alatish Park
after the end of the rainy season. They are Sudanese citizens and have got Sudanese registered ID.
The information collected show that, Fellata are divided in to 3 clans which includes
Nigerian Origin: Ambero,Woyla,Gamda,,Mile and Dendie
Eritrean Origin: Rubtana (Hadendawi,Droeb,Bineamir)
Sudanese Arabs

The seasonal migration (movement) of them to Alatish Park is in two directions, i.e to the South East
and North East direction of the Dendir National park of Sudan. The first group i.e those who come to the
south East of the Dindir Park enter through Omedela direction-the border between Amhara and
Benishanguel regions of Ethiopia. This group originate and start its movement in Dibazin Region of
Sudan on specific places like Risris, Kirma, Gerie, Abugedif, Mukila and Amrie.

The second group starts its movement in Gedarif Region of Sudan in specific places Semsem, Twaba,
Shashena, Miskinana, Lemlemo, Kelshelfi, Kekemta, Ardeba, Amkura, and Ambegera The entry point
is on the north east direction of the Dindir Park and North Of Alatih Park Duababa PA of Quara
Woreda.

Almost 85 % of these nomads enter the park in second direction.


Fig 2. 3 Migratory movement of Fellata Starting from Gedarif Region of Sudan

The seasonal in migration starts on end of October and is accompanied by about 600 hhs who is with
about 200,000 cattle,180,0000 sheep and goats, 1200 donkeys, and 800 camel. The movement is based
on the tradition of the clan leaders first enter and then accompanies follow. Each rich Fellata is said to
hold up to 2000 livestock, and the poor is up to 200 livestock. Once they enter the park they distribute
themselves and fully access every resource inside the park. This movement is following the water bodies
inside the park especially rivers.

The seasonal out migration starts after the rainy season fully starts (end of June) and the grass and trees
canopy starts to cover the park.The reason for back migration is during this season there is good milk
and meat market in Sudan, and in summer times the forest is not comfortable for them since it helps for
development of cattle disease like tsetse.

Local Seasonal Migration: The local seasonal migration with cattle originates on neighboring Woredas
like Metema,Alefa, and Chilga .This migrants normally come to the Woreda and the park eventually
starting from Mid of November right after their local cattle feed exhaust. They will be about 100 groups
each having a cattle population of about 60-100.

The out migration of this group of migrants is at the end of April right after the rainy season starts. The
reason for back migration is the disease prevalence and feed availability in their origin in summer
season.

iii) Socio-cultural features

Ethnic, language and Religious Groups: The Alatish park surrounding area and the population living in
are characterized by the residents who are composed of Gumuz, Amhara, Agew, Kimant and Tgrie
Ethnic groups. Regarding, the percentage share, Amharas are highly populous i.e 81.4% followed by
Agew 10%,and Gumuz 6.7 %

Regarding the language, the people in the area uses language, of Amharic and ,Gumuz, Dasien,
Agewigna, Arabic Tigrigna and others almost 95% of the residents understand and use Amharic. The
spoken mother tough languages share is shown bellow.

Concerning the religious characteristics, there are two religions faiths by the people of the area which
are Islam orthodox Christianity, and protestant Christianity. The analysis of the surveyed data shows that
90.5% of them are orthodox Christians 7.6 % is Muslims and the rest 0.1% are Protestants

Table 2. 6 Ethnic, Language and Religion composition in the study area
Ethnicity
%
Share
Language-mother
tongue
%
Share Religion
%
Share
Agew 10 Agewegna 10 Orthodox 90.5
Gumuz 6.7 Amharic 82.3 Protestant 0.1
Amhara 81.4 Gumuzigna 6.7 Muslim 7.6
Kemant 0.7 Tigrigna 0.1
Tigraie 0.1 Others( Arebic--) 0.9
Others 1.1
Source CSA, 1994 Survey

Socio-cultural traditions and customs: Like most parts of the region, the people in the area have got its
own norms and values which have been exercised for long time. The socio cultural norms and habits are
indicated by wedding, funereal, religious ceremonies and other life styles.

Based on the analysis of the data and field observations, there is major social and cultural institution
which the local community is based on

Holidays and ceremonies: There are various religious holidays and cultural ceremonies that are expected
to be represented by each member of a community. They taught that any violation against these may
bring about social condemnation and even ostracism.

As it is obtained from the socio- economic survey the religious and traditional holidays during which
Christian farmers do not perform any agricultural activities include, Saturdays,Sundays,5
th
, 7
th
,
12
th
,19
th
,21
th
,27
th,
and 29
th
days of the month, and Christmas, Ethiopian New year, Easter, Epheny, True
Friday and others are the yearly holidays respected by them. The total working days are estimated to be
about 280 days.

In the Muslim community religious holidays such as Wednesday (Duea), Friday-Jumiea, at every week,
Mulid, Eid and Arefa the yearly holidays respected by them.

Marriage and other traditional practices: Marriage in the project area is not made by willingness of
bridegroom and bride, rather by willingness of the parents of both parties. Age is not problem in the
formation of marriage. It can be formed at early age.

The marriage tradition differs on each ethnicity, where the Amhara and Agews are almost similar, and
Gumuz a little bit different.

In Amhara and Agew the marriage starts at year 10 especially in Girls, and the average marrying age is
13 years ,which indicates that there is still early marriage in the Woreda, In, one way or the other
,although these traditional practices are assumed to be useful by the local community ,quit obvious their
effect is negative or harmful to the life of the community and the development process, which again
contributes to increase the rate of population growth and maternal death in the project area., more
specifically it is one of the major reason for school drop out in the surrounding schools, hence they need
a special attention

In Gumuz the marriage starts at year 14 especially in Girls, and the average marrying age is 17 years.
The tradition is on what they call it exchanging the sister (lweit) i.e in order to marry the Male has to
have to exchange sister for the wife .

There are also, cercumseciation uviloctomy traditions too. These usually are harmful traditional
practices which need to be abounded since they have effect on socioeconomic development.

Concerning intertribal marriage, there are few who marry out of their tribes and clans, for example,
Gumuz never want to make marriage with Agew and Amharas, or vice versa. Fellata never make
marriage with the local community.

Food habits: The food habit is again different from the ethnic composition of the area .Both Amhara and
Agew have the same tradition n and the Gumuz another tradition.

In Amhara and Agew the daily meals of households have no significant food variety. It is prepared in
the form of injera and wet. The population of the project area house holds use number of grains for
the preparation of daily meals. That is Sorghum (Wodehakir), teff , fabaabean, lentil and peas are the
main ones. Livestock products such as meat ,milk, butter are also used as a food companions .These
group are not observed on looking for bush food i.e either shrubs or small mammals.

In the Gumuz,the food habit is very different from Agews and Amharas, they uses sorghum for forage
and for injera sometimes. Majority of their food stuffs come from the surrounding bush especially in the
rainy season. This includes different shrub varieties small mammals like rodents and hunted midium
mammals meat.

Housing, Settlement and facilities: The park area communitys dwellings and settlement are
characterized with uniformity of type of houses, which consists constructed mostly from grass roof
covers and rarely from corrugated iron. Almost all of houses have walls constructed from bamboo and
with out mud plastered. 2 % percent of houses are made of corrugated iron roofs and 98 % are covered
by grass as a roof. As to settlement pattern is concerned, a certain indigenous number of houses are
settled in an area called a village, most of the time members of which are relatives. The settlers are
settled in town style with congested villages.


Fig 2. 4 Typical house in Gumuz village- outside and inside view Mehadid PA

2.1.1.2. Social institutional services and infrastructures

a) Educational situations analysis:
The modern education consist formal approaches of learning. Formal education systems in Quara area
comprehend the classical stratification of standardized schooling systems: that is primary, junior and
secondary. On the other hand non formal education which consist mainly Amarachi education is
occasionally accessed in the project area.

Primary Education enrollment: In the Woreda there are about 22 Primary schools on average 5 km
distance and 19 alternative (Amarachi) and 11 junior schools in the near by villages .Out of this schools
only 8 elementary schools are around the park adjacent PAs . in 2000 E.C students served by this
elementary schools are 15506 (7987 M, 7519 F), which the enrollment is indicated by distribution by
gender. The gender share in the school is and 52% of boys and 48 % of girls had been involved.




Table 2. 7 Gross primary school enrolment distribution by gender in Quara
Type of school
Enrolled
% share M F Total
Regular(1-4) 6938 6592 13530 77
Regular(5-8) 1049 927 1976 11
Alternative BE 1179 937 2116 12
Total 9166 8456 17622
Source: Quara Woreda Education Office 2000 E.C Statistics

Secondary enrollment: : In the Woreda there is only 1 first cycle high school on average 20 km
distance for all students of the Woreda. Right after they finish this cycle students are subjected to other
preparatory schools out of the Woreda like Metema. In 1999 E.C students served by these high schools
are 255 (129 M, 122 F),

b) Health situation analysis:

Health servicing systems and infrastructure: The health services in the project area are insecure, like
other essential services, and are dispensed by modern and traditional service provisions. Modern health
service and extension is provided by health post level categories of health facilities operated by health
personnel of health extension training backgrounds. On the other hand treatment through traditional
methods varies from faith healing, and traditional medicine.

Traditional healing systems fall into categories, which are namely, traditional medicine, and spiritual
healing. The first type of treatments consists of package of knowledge transmitted through father and
mother by generations, through oral tradition and by observation of practices. Therapists of this kind
include herbalists, bone setters and surgeons.

On the other hand in relation to modern health systems, the health seeking population in the project area
resorts to health facilities, most of which are concentrated out of the Woreda and the Neighboring
Metema Woreda, which is Gendawiha and Shinfa

On assessing health infrastructure and quality of services; the government health system and services is
delivered by health posts only and there is no either health center or hospital in the Woreda. There are
about 26 functioning health post in the Woreda, of which 7 are in Park adjacent PAs . At the moment
HE Center and posts provides the primary health and health extension services to the local community,
facilitated by 36 health extension workers, 2 Junior nurses,8 Nurses,12 health assistants, 2 lab.tech and 2
pharmacists..

Health status: The health coverage of the Woreda population is one of the determinant factors of health
status. The available information on the coverage consequently is estimated to be above 80%, although
the quality of services is very poor type. Consequently, the health situation and standard of the Woreda
population is low due occurrence of different diseases, lack of information, education and appropriate
and reliable services. The existing health policy which focused more on preventive than curative
methods has not been effective on reducing the prevalence of diseases since it is too early it has been
implemented. More over it has happened for the source of compliant of the community not getting the
appropriate services at local levels and the reduction of treatment services.

The top ten diseases which are frequently observed for the last six months in 2008 in the Woreda looks
like as shown in the table bellow as reported by the Woreda Health Office;

Table 2. 8 Ten top diseases in Quara Woreda















Source : Quara Woreda Health Office 2008 Statistics
Frequency of Usage of Health Services:

Maternal Health Care: In Quara , women who have got antenatal ,delivery and postnatal care including
vaccination although the quality of the service is poor . As reported by Woreda health Office in 2007,
the antenatal care follow-up was 1205, delivery services given is for 477 mothers and postnatal care
serviced is 342 mothers .This figure looks low in addition to the quality The reason might be partly due
to the fact that smaller group of mothers are aware about the services, and the capacity of the health
infrastructure is not in a position to deliver the services.

Child Health Care: Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) services were given in Quara, like any
other places of the Amhara region. The reports from the health office again show that vaccination
coverage in 2007 is for 1544 children ranging from age birth to 5 year age.

Reproductive health and Family Planning services: Reproductive health services are vital both on
controlling the population growth and maintaining the health of the mother, and keeping the family
economical. Using this services in the earlier times were considered evil by the rural community, and
even very few of them were aware about it. These days there has been good awareness about
reproductive health and family planning services, and the reports from Health Office shows there are
105 mothers getting the services for the last 6 months of 2008, out of the expected 4120 mothers using
the service. The type of services is supplying pills and Depo Provera injunctions. It is not actually
possible to conclude the service level is enough, and there are constraints, some of which include lack of
awareness, desire to have more children, religious influences, fear of illness, negative attitude towards
services, and lack of appropriate and reliable service.

No Disease Patients registered

1 Malaria 33176
2 Pneumonia and lung diseases 4470
3 Parasite 3836
4 Diarrhea 2969
5 Gastric diseases 2019
6 Fever 1918
7 Skin diseases 1819
8 Unidentified 1575
9 Kurtimat 1325
10 Animia 982
Health extension and Counseling Service: This service is a strategy which has been started few years a
go by the regional government. The philosophy is based on, preventing the diseases is effective than
curing. For this reason health extension personnel are trained and assigned to rural areas. In this case in
the Woreda HE Center there are 36 personnel assigned they have started to aware the community in
basic health, hygiene and sanitation, reproductive health, and counseling services on HIV AIDS and
other related issues. In the adjacent PAs there are about 12 Agents

2.1.1.3 Institutional establishments and framework

a) Institutional framework
the park are the group of sectors which includes the Quara Wereada Administrative office, Alatish
National Park Office ,Office of Agriculture and Rural Development, Office of Justice and Security,
Police Office ,Militia Office and the Supreme court.
To this connection each sector has its own institutional responsibility, mandate and stake which are
assigned by the Regional government to them. The leading and most responsible sector which holds the
responsibility of the park is Alatish National Park Office the Office .Others are to be cooperative in all
ides to come from the Park office.

Alatish National Park Office: The Alatish National Park Office is established on June 1998 EC (2006) ,
for executing every duties and responsibilities of the Park.

The Alatish National Park Office is organized into 1 main technical department (team) , Administrative
and finance, Planning and information ,Auditor and Lawyer. All the above-mentioned departments are
organized into administrative units, of the Office Manager, Technical team leader, experts and
administration and supporting staff.

In 2000(2008) it has got a total of 62 employees of which 45 M and 17 F, This human resource is
distributed to 5 technical experts,11 administrative members,6 scouts and 40 Park Gourds. More over 16
are at the Park office and 46 are field workers.

In terms of facility, the Office does not have any working office building, although it is on the way to
construct its own. It has one single cup Toyota pick up car,2 electric generators ,2 desktop computers,
and office furniture, radio comunicatoion,5 hand dug water wells,4 scout houses and 43 guns.

















Fig 2. 5 Current Organizational structure of Alitash National Park Office


Fig 2. 6 Alitash National Park Office Gelegu

The Kebele institutional framework around the park: The capacity and efficiency of the administrative
and political structures to undertake development programs, conservation of resources, good fiscal
management and service delivery systems at kebele level is based on the kebele Administration system
as a head and other sectoral nominees at kebele level as a development facilitator which is adopted from
Woreda decentralized way of administration.

Hence at kebele level, the main institutional entity includes; the Kebele Administration which is the
superior structure and responsible for all political, economic, social and other development
responsibilities. It is a decentralized structure of the Governments administrative system which is next to
the Wordeda administration. It is based on the cabinet system, of which the Kebele cabinet members are
Chair person of the Kebele , vice chair(head of rural Development), Information head, Youth and sports
head, Womens Affairs, Health ,capacity building and ,Justice and Security Affairs head .

The leading role and the day to day routine and technical tasks of the park management is lied on the
adjacent Kebele administrations mobilized by scouts in the near by of them

Park Management taskforce: In addition to the government entities, the park office has formulated the
task force both at the Woreda and Kebele level which is believed to assist an organized park
management and sharing responsibilities.

The Woreda park management task force includes
- Woreda Administration
- Office of Agriculture and rural development
- Women and youth Affairs Office
- Justice, and Administration
- Police
- Militia Office
- Information Office
- Supreme court

The Kebele park management task force includes

Kebele Adaptation
- 2 Development agents
- Women and youth Affairs representative
- Justice, and Administration
- Elderly representative
- Religious leader
- School clubs

The primary task of these taskforce is to directly involve on planning, and implementation of the park
and taking any actions related to their original responsibility.

2.2 ECONOMIC SITUATION ASSESSMENTS OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES

2.2.1. Economic resources and ownership

i) Land holdings use and management: Land is one of the best available resources which serve the
people of the Woreda for their entire lively hood, income generation and even residence. Due to some
important development factors like migration, the question of land holding is coming as an issue. In the
Woreda, the overall average agricultural land holding is about 2.ha ha .

In terms of Land use, in the Woreda among the total 812374 ha, there is an estimation of 81172 ha
agricultural land, 16275 ha grazing land, 216342 ha of forest and bush land,266570 for Alatish National
park the rest 219806 ha will be the land for agric., or gum harvesting, 950 ha for village, road, church,
rivers and others. The Agricultural land is 99.5 % land used for annual crop production.

Table 2. 9 Existing land use pattern of the Quara Woreda area, 2007(1999)
Land use Total Area
ha %
Cultivated land 81172 10.0
Grazing 16275 2.0
Forest, bushes, shrubs 216342 26.6
Alatish National park 266570 33.1
gum harvesting future Agric. 229096 28.2
Use for construction, and others 950 0.1
Total 812374 100%
Source : Information collected from Quara Woreda Planning Office

ii) Land tenure and size of holdings: Land had been distributed in for settlers starting in 2003 where the
average land allocation was 2 ha .On the other hand the native people have got an estimated land of 3 ha
per head on average. At the moment it is difficult to identify the exact land holding and tenure, since
there was back migration of settlers, and there is in-migration, and hold land with out the understanding
of administrative bodies. Overall the land holding is estimated from 1.5 ha to 3 ha per head.

iii) Status of Natural resource:
(bush and forest trees): In terms of the tree/shrub species resources, the Woreda in general and the park
in particular is very rich and it is possible to say it is a place where majority of the Regions forest cover
is existing. Based on the this assessment there has been 84 tree species, shrub species, 29 Herbal Food
and Medicinal Plant Species 17 grass species identified. As identified earlier almost 85% of the land is
covered by forest and bush trees and grass. These potential is referred as a green belt which is
contributing on balancing the Nubian Desertification.



Fig 2. 7 : Center Overview of the park and the forest resource of the park

Wildlife resources: The Park is rich with wild life which includes large mammals, small mammals,
reptiles, fish and birds. Based on the assessment there has been 37 mammal species (8 are not recently
seen), 204 bird species, 7 retails and 27 fish is identified. Among the referred ones Lion, elephants
leopards are available. The details are described in the zoological report.

Rivers and Water bodies: In addition to the forest resource the Woreda and the park is rich with rivers
with high fish potential and water for wildlife of the park. Rivers like Ayima, Shinfa, Gelegu, and
Dubaba are among the referred ones. These rivers are all going out to Sudan.

Fig 2. 8 Rivers Gelegu in the North side and River Hyma in the South east side of the park

Livestock Resources: Raising livestock is an important economic activity in the Woreda. Raising
livestock is the lively hood of farmers. Livestock have a multipurpose role on the locality. They provide
draught power, meat, milk and milk products and fulfill social and religious obligations. In Quara, the
community keeps all types of livestock. The number of livestock owned by a smallholder can range
from a few small animals (e.g. chickens) to large numbers many smallholders keep more than one type
of animal. According to the data collected livestock population was estimated to be as shown in table
2.10.

Table 2. 10 Livestock
population and holdings in
Quara





















Source:: Quara Wereda Office of Agr& R.Developemnt

The analysis of the livestock resource show that all types of livestock cattle consisted of 64%, small
ruminants 15 %, equines 4% and chicken 17%. Hence, cattle are considered to be the most important
livestock species due to their significant contribution of traction power for cultivation, threshing, manure
for fertilizer and fuel. They also produce the largest proportion of milk and meat for human consumption
and, are sold as a revenue source too.

On the other hand this abundance will have effect on the park in the long run, if farmers are not going to
exercise modern cattle rearing system

2.2.2 The local economy and livelihood

i) Economic activities
Agriculture and crop production: The lively hood of the community in Quara is based on agriculture
and agricultural production where, (87% ) of the income comes from crop agriculture. In this cases then
the main agricultural production is cultivating field crops - like, sorghum ,oil crops like sesame and
Livestock type Livestock population % share from total
Livestock Population
Cattle 127553 64%
Oxen 38733
Dairy cow 17142
Calves 27159
Heifer 23729
Bull 20790
Small ruminants 30224 15%
Sheep 1614
Goats 28610
Equines 7706 4%
Muel 308
Donky 4975
Camel 2423
Beehives
Beehives-local 8335
Chicken 34555 17%
Chicken 34555
cotton, teff , .Regarding the farming system and crop production, the people in Quara is exercising the
usual ways of farming, which is cultivating the land, sowing local seeds ,and using no fertilizers.


Table 2. 11 Major crops grown, land allocation and output in 1999(2007)
Crop Area* Grain yield/ha (Qt) Total production
(Qt)
ha %
Cereals 42208 51.998
Teff 2084
2.57
6 12504
Milet
1575 1.94
7 11025
maize 4290
5.29
18 77256
sorghum 36343
44.77
2 65417
Pulses 35.5
0.04

Fababean 276
0.34
6 1656
Field peas 6.5
0.01
5 35.5
Chick peas
8
0.01
6 48
Lentil 6 0.01
6
36
H/Bean 15
0.02
6 90
Oil seed crops 30935
38.11

Noug 1415
1.74
7 9905
Rapeseed 128
0.16
8 1008
Sisami(Selit) 30803 37.95
6
175039
Lin seed Teliba 3.5
0.004
5 17.5
Spicies 1059
1.304

White kemun (Nech-Azmud) 1056
1.30
1 560
Black kemun (Tikur Azimud) 3
0.004
150 450
Fibers 3160
3.89

Cotton
3160 3.89
15
47490
116361
Source :Quara Wereda Office of Agr & R.Developemnt

From the above table, in 1999 the first and for most crop grown is sorghum, covering an area of 36343
ha or 44.77 % of the agricultural land ,sesame covering an area of 30803 ha or 37.95 % of the
agricultural land and maize 5.29%.

Animal husbandry: Raising livestock is an important economic activity in the Quara area. Where, the
production is explained in the resources section table 2.9 above.

2.2.3 Local economic services and infrastructure

Access Road and Transport: The Quara area is not accessible via a transportation network of federal
networks. There is a dry whether road which helps to connect the Woreda to Gonder and Bahirdar, i.e
from G/weha to Gelegu which is 125 km long. This road is not yet accomplished, and it is not possible
to be accessible during the rainy season. On the other hand there is aroad constructed by ERA, from
Durbetie to Gelegu, where the future distances from B/Dar via Shahura to Gelaegu will be about 350
KM .It is expected to be finished in the next 2 years. This is a great hope for the Woreda and the park
since it has a direct connection to federal roads. There is no acknowledged transportation service to the
Woreda, where any nonpublic vehicles are used for transport.


Fig 2. 9 Constraint of a road a parks car attempting to cross theGelegu river

Media and Communication: The Local Quara community gets the media services mainly broadcasted
from the Ethiopian National radio, radio Fauna and, local radios broadcasts from Sudan.

On other communication services like telephone and postal services; there is only one telephone house
(full of problems) ,no post office .

Power and Energy security: Energy in Quara is not a question these days, since there is an immense
amount of fuel biomass . Wood is the most important sources of household energy. These fuels were
used for cooking and baking, with only a small amount being consumed for lighting and other purposes.
In addition there are as many 700 people who access the electricity power service derived from
generators .The electric power is mainly used for lighting purposes and as a power sources for
audiocassette players, television, and computer operations.

Water supply: The major sources of domestic water in Quara include both protected and non-protected
sources. The protected sources are those used as a drinking water for the people.-humans, and the
unprotected are those water sources for livestock, and humans too. The protected sources were those
hand-dug wells constructed by the government and non-government organization (ORDA) with full
participation of the local communities. Based on the assessment of the study team in Quara there are
121 hand dug -closed wells ,3 motorized wells, and 53 medium scale hand dug wells which serve the
whole community for drinking and sanitation purposes. Hence it shows 55% of the people are served by
that.


Fig 2. 10 Water access for the local community

Market trade exchange and tax system: There are markets and market related institutions like
cooperatives around the Park area and the Woreda where the local community can exchange their goods.
They transport their goods to/from these markets carrying on shoulder and using pack animals. Mostly
there are no open markets rather small shops and quiskes are used .In this case there are an estimated
400 small shops in the Woreda, serving the people.
In the park adjacent PAs there only 3 identified field markets, like Bermil, Gelegu and Bambaho.

Moreover interms of inter-border trade and exchange there was a large involvement of illegal traders
and Fellata on weapons, and some contraband items. Currently there is no any significant trade and
exchange. Concerning tax the inter boundary seasonal migrating Fellata do not pay any tax to Ethiopia.

Economic supporting Institutions:

Agricultural extension: agricultural extension in the area has been started about a decade. Currently
the Regional government is delivering the extension service based on an approach which is broken down
in to family package and minimum package systems. In the area 150 farmers are included in the family
package and every day follow up and advice is done to them. The rest are treated by minimum package
and the service is casual and based on demand.

The Woreda has 32 development agents who are responsible for crop, livestock, and natural resources
related duties

The major activities of the extension include; on-farm demonstration of crop production, improved
seeds application, and establishment of soil, water conservation measure, forest and wildlife
conservation and livestock production and health.

Rural credit: Credit is one of the required service by the farmers in the park area .The purpose of the
credit demand is various where the major is pity trade and for purchasing oxen, shoats and pity trade
currently delivered from the ACSI sources.

2.2.4. Livelihood and income generation

i. livelihood activities
Analysis of livelihood in Quara highlights the relatively prosperous mix of employment in the area.
The economy In Quara is almost mixed in nature with the dominancy of agriculture, some minor
activities like trading, fishing, daily laborer and the like are accustomed independently .

Agriculture and livestock: Crop cultivation is the first as an economic activity, in part because good flat
and fertile land is very accessible. The collected information show every of households have crop farm;
mostly sorghum and sesame (selit) are grown. Food is not bought and all are self sufficient. Next to crop
farming livestock raring is another source of lively hood. Levels of livestock ownership is high where on
average a hh has 7 livestock,1.5 chicken ,and 0.33 equines and 0.37 beehives

Laborer: Involving in daily laborer in agricultural activities is another means of lively hood for migrant
people, especially.

Others; Other economic activities include running shops, kiosks, or market stalls, or selling cooked
foods. The shops are fairly small and sell basic household items. Most of the village has a town nature,
and a significant number of women are involved in selling tea, and bread. A small number of people
have formal salaried employment in the park or other government departments. Table bellow shows the
involvement of the labor force on maintaining their livelihood.

Table 2. 12 involvement of the labor force
Sector of Employment Employment share
of the sector
Agriculture(crop, live stock, production, fishing
)
87%
retail trade(pity trade) 4%
Renting and services(house renting) 0.04%
Civil servant 0.05%
Daily laborer 9%
Source: self survey

Alternatively these activities are the source of income for the households. Then agriculture Contributes
the highest share for income generation followed by labor selling.

Labor use and availability: In Quara most households depend on the labor force available within the
household. When demand exceeds supply they resort to migrant agricultural laborer. In Quara family
labor is still depended upon for both agriculture and pity trade. This would suggest that children people
will be subjected to school drop out

The labour market in the park area is not consistent like what is happening in urban areas .Basically
labor is in terms of family labor and the household labor is not estimated and considered by farmers.
Occasionally there is an external labor demand during pick times like weeding, harvesting. The per day
labor is 40 birr. More over the oxen labor is some times rented and it is up to 80 birr per day.


2.3 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS OF THE ALATISH NATIONAL PARK

Stakeholder analysis can be defined as a methodology for gaining an understanding of a system, and for
assessing the impact of changes to that system, by means of identifying the key stakeholders and
assessing their respective interests. The key stakeholders in Alatish National Park are those subsistence
farmers and other small-scale resource users in the Adjacent PAs , but stakeholders may equally include
development practitioners, policy makers, planners and administrators in government, commercial
bodies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The most fundamental division between
stakeholders is likely to be between those who affect (determine) a decision or action and those who
are affected (whether positively or negatively).

Stakeholder refers to a person, group or institution that has an interest in a particular activity, project
or program. Primary stakeholders are those who are ultimately affected by the activity or project and
secondary stakeholders are those with some intermediary role in it. Key stakeholders are those who can
significantly influence an outcome
Stakeholder analyses can be used to:
Identify key stakeholders
Identify areas of conflicting interests
Draw out key risks and assumptions
Identify possible areas of intervention

This introduction of SA helps to undertake the stakeholder analysis of Alatish National Park ,as shown
bellow.

2.3.1 Main (key) stakeholders and their interests in Alatish:

The case of this Park involves a large number of stakeholders at both national, local and community
levels with in some cases conflicting interests.

2. 3.1.1 Stakeholders at National level

The main stakeholders at national levels may include:
a) Federal Wild life Monitoring and Development Authority (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development): The Ministry need and want to use the Park to demonstrate and make the park effective
and Economical.
b) Universities: Universities like Bahirdar-Gonadar or others institutions need the park since it has got a
substantial potential for research and academics

2. 3.1.2 At Regional level:

a) The Regional Government: The Regional Government is, the over all responsible body for the
development and prosperity of the Regional people, in this case then it is interested to see an integrated
effectiveness of the park, in a way it can promote an over all and enhanced development. In addition,
the institutional and legal implementations are other points of interest


b) Amhara Regional state Parks Development Authority: The Authority wants the Alatish National
Park to be effective in a way it can contribute towards the development of the region through
conservation of resources ,and tourist attraction.

c) Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development: This bureau is a regional governments body
responsible for the over all rural development affairs of the Regional people. In this case the Bureau has
got an interest which, is that there should be a proper management of the park in a way it can satisfy the
agricultural production demand of the surrounding people by contributing to a sustainable environment.

d) Environment and Land uses Authority: This governmental body is interested again the
effectiveness of the park, in a way it can conserve the environment and, handle an environmentally
friendly and sustainable approach

e) Others: All others like Bureau of Education, Energy authority, Food Security Disaster preparedness
commission, Justice ,police and others will have their own interest on the Park based on the mandates
given by the Regional government.

2.3.1.3 At local level (Woreda and Kebele)

a) Governmental development Sectors: The Governmental development intervention system of the
Amhara Region is that which starts at a regional level, and decentralized to Woreda or district levels,
and it ends at kebele levels. Hence starting from Woreda to kebele, the government agencies are for
implementation, monitoring and facilitating the government policies, strategies, programs and activities.
Hence, it is possible to say all relevant stakeholders of this Park, are interested to benefit out of the
effectiveness of the park, in a way they can learn more, and extract knowledge of better implementation
of activities and management of resources. In addition they are interested the local communitys
development questions answered in an integrated manner.

The main stakeholders at local level may include: Zonal and Woreda Administration, Office of
Agriculture and Rural development, Office of Justice, Police, Office of Education, Office of the
Womens Affairs-Youth,

b) The Quara community : After all the population of Quara especially those living in the adjacent PAs
in general have a major stake in the park out puts .In addition, the park is going to be applied for the
people and with the people ,hence it is possible to say the community is the owner of the intended Park
interventions. More over, the community is much more interested on the fast and reliable
implementation of the park plans in a way it can help them secure their lively hoods.

2.3.1.4 NGOs and Bilateral Organizations:

These groups of stakeholders are again interested in the proper application of the park in the locality
since most the park objectives principles are relevant to the missions and visions of these organizations,
conserving resources, protecting the environment and supporting the population of the local people.
Around Quara there is one influential Bilateral Organization i.e the Austrian Development Authority .
NGO, like, ACSI, and ORDA,.

International Organizations: The Park have got an attraction of international organizations like
IUCN,UN organizations, Conservation societies, since it is one of the hope for East Africa for hacking
the expansion of Sahel- Sahara Desserts

2. 3.1.5 External stakeholders:

All the above stake holders are those which will have a positive influence and helpful characteristics of
the Alatish National Park. Nevertheless there are also external stakeholders which are believed to have a
negative impact and influence both in the presence and effectiveness of the Park , and the people living
around the park. Among the referred ones, those Sudan (Felatta) and Eritrian (Rubtana) Nomads are
there. They have got an interest on every resource including the water grass, trees wild animals for their
livestock and themselves. In these cases they have negative influence both on the resources, and lively
hood of the community. In addition there are also other groups which are the local migrant herders and
investors, and they will have negative influence, since they are now with a conflict with the adjacent
community, on their resources use abuse and ill-treatment of the local community

2.4. THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE PARK

2. 4.1 Community attitude towards the park

In this assessment People were first asked if they know about Alatish National Park. All respondents
have knowledge about it, because of their proximity to the park.

In assessing their attitude to the park there is an understanding that it is a protected area, nevertheless
there is an attitude it is going to weaken their resources supply, like land, wood, grass and cattle feed.

On the other hand some respondents who came around the Semen Park have got the hope and awareness
the park will be the source of income on tourist attractions.

Another important point mentioned is if they know the Alatish National Park authorities? The response
shows they are not much clear who is responsible and who they are.

Overall the adjacent people have got a very good attitude to the park, except there are some challenges
since its buffer zone is very near to villages ,and people are worried what will happen if they need to
expand farmland, and grazing land.

2.4.2 Parks effects on the life of the surrounding people

2.4.2.1 Contribution of forest and biodiversity to the local community

Alatish National Park is a recently Legalized park, and it will be very early to list out its current benefits
to the local community .Nevertheless it is possible to identify its future potential benefits to the local
community.

Source of Fuel wood: In the log run this park can be the source of fuel wood with legalized and control
harvesting system. At the moment there are no people who are collecting wood, the reason is because
fire wood is not a problem or it is accessible around the village. Over all in the future the park will be an
energy reservoir, if to be managed well.

Source of Cattle Pasture: Again in the future it will be a very good reserve for producing cattle
pasture. At the moment it is accommodating about 300,000 Fellata livestock, and 1000 local livestock.

Source of Medicines: The majority of shrubs have got medicinal value as identified by the local Gumuz
community, whether forest products or pharmaceuticals are bought. Respondent state 99% of their
medicines are purchased. However a significant number are found locally, particularly in community
forests. In discussions many understood the opportunity a domestic supply of medicines may bring from
the forest and it will be a reserve for medicinal plants.

Source of Building Poles: Despite the illegality of taking cut wood from the Park Forest reserves, some
of respondents state they source their building poles from the forest reserves especially the bamboo tree.

Source of Charcoal: A majority of respondents in Gelegu town , state that they buy charcoal rather
than making it themselves. In discussions it was indicated charcoal is made out of the park region,
however in the long run there might be demand from the forest reserve.

Beekeeping and honey harvesting: Beekeeping is an income-generating activity that has been
associated with the forests. People who keep bees state that they get more honey if the hive is in the
forest because more flowers are available for the bees. Quite a large number of Agew households stated
they kept bees inside the park. In addition to keeping bees inside the park, there is wild honey
harvesting, both by Gumuz and Agew tribes. Rough estimation show there will be 200 Quintal or (25
Kg per tree, 1 man harvests different beehives on 8 trees with an average number of harvester per annum
estimated about 100 harvesters) of honey harvested inside the park every year. The way honey is
harvested is an illegal type since it ignites forest fire, and this needs to be systematic.

Bush Meat: Despite the illegality of killing any wildlife inside the park, there is hunting of small
mammals by Gumuz people inside the park .This event is a threat for the Parks wild life.

Park as a source of income: The presence of the park leads to generate employment opportunity for
people work as park rangers/guards as tourist guides and in ecotourism activities.

2.4.2.2 Values of the park to the local community and Regional Development

People perceive their surrounding Park and its resources as presenting natural assets. Therefore, as well
as the village lands, forest areas (including forest reserves and wild life) are regarded as a principle
source of natural assets. The values stated here are qualitative wise, rather than quantitatively since it
will take much more research and time to quantify the monitory values. These qualitative values are
discussed in the following forms.

Importance of park to livelihoods: For thousands of people living in park environments, the forest and
biodiversity forms such a dominant part of their physical, material, economic and spiritual lives. They
have got much more hope in the improvement of their future lively hoods. Among the people contacted
both in the focus group discussion and interview 99% of them respond they are expecting values for
their lively hood in the near future especially from the tourist attractions.

Park products to supplement medicinal needs: Forests and forest trees, and wildlife in Alatish are the
sources of a wide range of medicines .This values are mostly accessed by the surrounding Gumuz
people. They have got the perfect knowledge of the park resource values and among they have identified
32 species for medicines

Park products to supplement nutritional needs and meet seasonal food shortages: Forests and
forest trees, and wildlife are the sources of a variety of foods that supplement and complement what is
obtained from agriculture. Forest foods are most extensively used to help meet dietary shortfalls during
particular rainy seasons. Again the local Gumuz community uses roots, leaves, steam and fruits as a
food. The abundance of this verities is estimated to be 13 tree and shrub species 17 herbal species


Fig 2.11 Herb leaves Kudra and Mushroom for food and Wika forage mixer

Cultural Values of the Forest: Interviewees were asked whether the forest was important to the local
community culturally. The response was attached to Gumuz people who have been living long time
around the park. Its cultural connection to them is they have been born around, grown inside and enjoy
every ceremonies .Hence the park has got great place in their lives and cultural make up. Other people
have no or little cultural connections, since they recently came around the park.

The Gumuz Community and the cultural values: The Gumuz culture is intimately bound to forests
and their surrounding areas. To the Gumuz, the forests signify a source of physical, emotional and
spiritual well-being. The Gumuz people have got long tradition of conserving forest and trees, since they
believe that it is the source of every thing like food, water, and important spiritual and cultural sites
values. They spent a lot of their time inside the forest gathering fruits, leaves, roots, meat, and wild
honey. These activities of them have been not that much harmful, since their habits and tradition is
mostly on by products than the actual forest it self. Of course they are connected to hunting of small
mammals and medium mammals, of which their favorite huntiees are warthog, porcupines,, rodent
verities and the like..

These activities however, were declared illegal and these people are aware of that. These people are
much harmless as compared to what the Agew and Amhara people are doing. These people cut trees
irresponsibly, while the Gumuz does not cut trees totally but at least branches only. The way honey is
collected by Agews and Amharas is on cutting important trees, or firing the tree, rather the Gumuz are
only collecting the honey. Hunting by Agewes or Amhara is those large mammals like lion, or
elephants, but Gumuz is only small mammals which are abundant as compared to large mammals. All
these cultural norms show that Gumuz have got a very good tradition ad culture for conserving the
resources than other people, and they have to be rewarded for this.

Tourism Potential (Tourism attractions and activities): Households were asked if they felt they were
benefiting from tourism now or if they had benefited in the past somewhere else. The settled community
those who came from Adiarkay have got the experience of tourist values in the Semin National Park and
there was experience in working in the tourism sector. In Alatish since it is at the start up phase, they
could not say any thing except explaining the future expectations and hope.

Tourism is seen as a welcome economic activity if it is to come about. There is a perception across the
sample villages that tourism will bring considerable economic development through foreign exchange
receipts. However there is a marked lack of awareness about what market, infrastructural and service
related factors will allow for successful tourism. Many respondents understand that wildlife attracts
tourism, as does the natural beauty of the forest, but they are unaware of the difficulties that the
relatively isolated location of the park and weak infrastructure and facilities would provide for the
logistical realities of encouraging tourism.

In terms of tourism potential the park have got the capacity to attract tourists since it is the origin of
different wildlife like species of mammals, birds, and reptiles , special futures of the land, tree, shrub
,herb and grass species, rivers, fish verities inside the park. In addition the Woreda is the birth place of
Emperor Theodros, which is approximately 25 Km away from the park a place called Zana Abazingi
PA-Chergie Mariam, hence if there is going to be continuous promotion this will be an opportunity for
tourism attraction.

Research attractions and activities: The park will not only have the above values rather it will have
attractions for research and academics in the field of Forestry, Resource Economics, Zoology, Botany,
Fishery and Aquatic studies, entomology, hydrology Medicine and Pharmacology etc. This park have
got the power of attraction since it have got a locally identified various species of mammals, birds, and
reptiles, special futures of the land, tree, shrub ,herb and grass species, rivers, fish verities and still
there are more to be identified and needs more research on qualifying and quantifying their values.


Fig 2.12 Dbuib University Students on Field research in Alatish National Park

2. 4.2.3 Side effects of the Park to the local community

Crop-Raiding by Wild Animals; Households were asked about crop-raiding to determine the
percentage that suffer loss of crops to animals coming from the forest, to determine which species crop-
raid most frequently and to obtain information on measures they have used to control raiding. The
response is sorghum is affected by wild animals coming from the park and there is production loss.
Species that come include porcupines, rats and monkeys.

Loss of farm land: Due to the presence of the park and unclear land distribution of settlers some
farmers are going to loss their lands, although at the moment they are holding and farming it

A place of smuggling and illegal Actions: The Park is a very large flat land full of dense grasses and
trees, and very inaccessible to monitor. These features of it have helped smugglers to do illegal act
inside. This is suffering to the local community, for example as many 100 cattle have been stolen and
taken to the park, in Bambaho PA.

2.5 GENERAL SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES

2.5.1 Local People effect on the park

Land Acquisition /Tenure/: and Farming inside the Park: The population effect is directly related to
the land holding system and tenure in the park adjacent PAs. At the moment the average land holding is
about 2 has per hh. Nevertheless, due to the high migration rate and the population increase more land is
demanded. The expectation of the fulfillment of the demand by the people is on expanding farm lands to
buffer zones. Currently there are roughly about 75 farmers who have been having farm lands inside the
park and around the buffer zone, which is illegal.

The main reason they mention why they are doing this is; when they come to settlement the land
distributed to them was either inside the buffer zone or a type of land which is not comfortable to
agriculture due to its soil make up. Moreover there is no regulated control mechanism on farmers actions
on holding land inside the park, and again there is no census on the number of households, land holding
and the place of their farm land. These factors encourage local communities to have the desire to utilize
the resources inside the park.

Fig 2.13 Farming going on around the park-200 meters away

Hunting Wild Animals: Despite the fact that hunting is illegal, quite a number of households admitted
that they did take place and the effect of the people is manifested on hunting wild animals inside the
park. During the assessment people were asked why people are hunting and on which type of animals
they are involved and who is involved in hunting. Following questions the response for hunting
animals; inducing crop-raiding is almost zero. The main reason for hunting is to destroy large
carnivorous mammals like lions and leopard, either for dignity and respect, since these animals hunt
their livestock, or the skin hides and ivory of these animals is smuggled to neighboring Sudan. Some
animals like antelopes, bush pigs porcupines, and small mammals are hunted for bush meat -i.e for food
purpose.

The type of people involved on killing large mammals like lions, elephants, and leopards are mostly
Amhara and Agews and Felatas. Where as mostly porcupines, and small mammals are hunted for bush
meat by Gumuz people. Hence the hunting style of the Agews, Amahara and Felats is in away to
destroy large mammals which are either endemic or few in number inside the park. Hence th Gumuz are
relatively harmless as compared to the above group. Birds like Guinifowl (jigra) and francolin(kok) are
also hunted by Amhara and Agew.

Grazing of Livestock: Grazing pasture and feed is not a question right now on the adjacent PAs except
few PAs like Bermil. Hence the grazing effect is minimal be them. Nevertheless local seasonal migrants
have got effect right now and high in the near future. This is due to the grazing potential from highlands
like Chilga and Metema is being exhausted and this will help seasonal migrants to come to the park.
These migrants are to come almost with about 2000 cattle inside the Park. The adjacent Peoples
livestock observed inside the park are mostly goats especially in Bermil Peasant Associaion.

Based on the assessment 99% of the parks resources including the grazing feed is accessed only by
Fellata and their 300,000 estimated livestock and this show how they are a challenge to the management
of the park.

Fig 2.14 Goat herd inside the park in Bermil PA-Bacon 9

Forest fire: The vast majorities of the parks vegetation fires are human-caused, and take place in every
direction of the park. They are the result of the increasing human population pressure on these areas
where fire is being used extensively as a land treatment tool, e.g., for conversion of forested lands into
agricultural lands; for maintaining grazing lands; and for facilitating the utilization of non-wood forest
products of the seasonal forests and savannas. Mostly forest fire is initiated by Felatas since they are
using fire and burning the bush as a tool to protect reptiles, lions and leopards, and for maintaining the
grazing feeds..

Respondents explain that the forest fire starts around December and waits until the end of May. In
addition, burning of forests and other vegetation of the park the fire may exert impacts at different levels
on trees, herbs, any sort of wild life and flora and fauna. Smoke from large scale fires also reduces safety
of air, land; and may cause problems to human health. The volume of the effects of the fire needs further
study for it to be estimated in to monetary values.

2. 5.2 Effects of Fellata Nomads movements on the Park

The effect of these nomads is substantial and devastating in every sphere of the Park. These nomads
understand they are illegal, and as it is understood l illegal peoples effect is drastic. In any criteria 99%
of the challenge for the Park is these groups. There are many explanations which can be mentioned as
they are harmful to the park, as have been distinguished during the assessment.

They are the active causes of forest fire: Felatas normally are systematized on arranging the cattle feed
by opening forest fire, for the next season, and they use fires for destroying harmful wild animals like
reptiles and carnivores.These normally causes forest fire.

They are the active hunters of lions and elephants, leopards, and Reptiles: The intention of hunting is
not for bush meat but for monetary purposes, and protecting their cattle from hunters like lions. They
hunt lions and leopards because their hide and skins is highly demanded in Sudan, and they want to
destroy them as long as they are hunter of their cattle. They hunt elephants for their ivory. Reptiles like
python for shoe making in Sudan

Fig 2.15 python (Python sebae) which was killed for skin

They are the active smugglers of drugs and weapons: The park is very large and remote, and difficult
to accesses .This helps them to communicate with illegal people and smugglers, contrabandists and
helps for unnecessary products to come too the home Country. These products include weapons, drugs,
and other contraband goods. There is a roomer that they are involved in producing drugs like heroine
inside the park.

They are the active threats for National security: Focus group discussion respondents and interviewed
people respond that they know every junctions of the park and they give necessary information for
robbers and illegal groups like they were doing during the Derg regime.

They fight with local people and kill people: They are well armed with launchers, Brail, GM3, mobile
communication, radio communication. These shows that their readiness to fight who ever comes to force
them. This year they have fight with Gumuz people in the Omedela direction and it is reported people
have been killed. The main cause of conflict here is simply on the resource computation and on the
illegal action of Felatas on smuggling, and hiding illegal person who stole cattle and the like

2.5.3 Reasons for Problems to happen
Population pressure: The adjacent areas and PAs to Alatish National Park , are amongst the most
populated areas at the moment and will be highly populated due to migration and natural increase effects
As explained in the population section the people will about 81939 from the current status with out
considering the migration rate ,hence including 0.25 % migration the people will be 1544644 in 2015
and 5429242 in 2030. The 1994 population census indicated densities at 0.043 people/ha in Quara, These
densities which were very minimal and bellow 1 has come to0.101 /ha right now and will be 1.91/ha in
2015 ,and 7/ha in 2030

The population growth especially related to migration is due to the highly fertile soils and climate that
enable farming to take place high value cash crops to be harvested each year. This demand is going to
result on expansion of farm lands both in the buffer zone and inside the park.

As population increases, land and other essential resources will become scarce, causing the dependence
of the people on the park resources to increase. This will led to an increased and unsustainable use,
through legal exploitation in forest reserves and illegal access in national parks, of resources such as
bush meat, timber, poles and stakes, fuel-wood, honey and bamboo.

Nearby villagization : During the settlement undertaken from 1995 to 1999,the parks actual
demarcation was not undertaken. This has caused either there to be an overlapping with farm lands and
the demarcated buffer zone or the park, or the villages to be very near by to the villages. For instance
village Bermill is only 2-5 Km radius from the park. This will have effect people to simply flow to the
park to access resources; this is actually happening right now. On the Mar weha PA, there is still this
kind of problem, and hence they having farm lands inside the park.

Monetary reasons: People in the adjacent PAs and the International nomads are affecting the park for
monetary reasons. Some of the examples are skins and hides of lions and leopards, and reptiles, ivory of
the elephant, eggs of the ostrich can be sold with high price especially to Sudan. These promote them to
do so.

Collection of Forest Products: In addition to wildlife, forest trees products are needed .Some of these
are bamboos for house constructions, Oxytenanthera abyssinica stick (shimel), Lalu fruit is sold to
Sudan, and some other products too are demanded this promote them to affect the park.

Lack of a Homogenous Community: In analyzing the population figures, large and growing percentage
of the population are migrants (39%) is highly significant to this study on a number of levels. It
illustrates that the community is not homogenous, being made up of people throughout the Woreda,
and implies that the majority migrant population do not have a historical claim to the area, only a recent
one. It suggests that whilst the Park forests may have been well conserved in the past by the Gumuz
people , that the arrival of people without a historical connection to the land is likely to lead to a reduced
interest in conserving the area

Lack of Training and Awareness: Whichever forest park regime is developed for a given area, whether
a community management aspect is agreed, or whether communities are required to become better
custodians of the park, a continued programme of park conservation education and awareness rising will
be essential.

Education levels amongst the majority of the communities under study are typically of primary school
level or illiterates. Therefore, any education campaign needs to take into account the levels of
knowledge and skills required to clearly present the complex issues around forest management,
maintaining levels of biodiversity, conserving existing ecologies and hydrology.

The current level of awareness regarding park conservation is generally limited to basic understanding
for many as the majority of community members are farmers by chosen livelihood activity rather than
foresters. Where it is expected that communities, or representatives of communities, are to become
forest managers, part of patrol teams, or committee members responsible for giving environmental
education themselves, it is reasonable to expect that training will be required by experienced technical
staff via the park office, government or NGOs. Clear targets should be set to make Park-adjacent
communities aware of the benefits and values of the forest, as well as management techniques.

2.6 OUTLOOK FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

2.6.1 Outstanding issues and priorities

From all the process of situation, stakeholder and problem analysis of the socioeconomic study of
Alatish National Park , there have been issues which are considered to be top priorities. These top
outstanding issues are here considered for an immediate consideration and treatment, where otherwise
they are immediately treated, they might lead for more devastation and depletion of the resources, and
ultimately the destruction of the park .The outstanding issues and priorities are then displayed as follows
for an immediate action

a) The issue of Fellata Nomads: The issue of Fellata is what the Regional and National Government
have to take a decision as long as they are the group who are 99% threats of the park at the moment
.Unless this is to be given a solution; they will create and provoke unnecessary competition with the
local community

b) Weak institutional and legal stabilization and implementation on resources conservation
management and control: This issue is manifested in its effects observed around the buffer zone, and
inside the park to some extent; for example, people are observed having farm lands around is in away
resources will be depleted soon. In addition the guidelines and principles of the park management
applied now are not effective in a way the resources can be managed sustainable. The legal framework
and implementation is not again in away it can teach the community and punish the people committing
crime on resources .There is no a concrete institutional guide line as to how to treat the external
stakeholders like the Felata Nomades , and local herders ,as long as they have a negative effect ,and over
competition of resources.

The make up and capacity of the institutional and legal framework of the Alatish Park office is not
again in a way it can control and manage the Park .So the grass root community is not promoted to
wards the appropriate integrated conservation and use patterns-although there are efforts. All this verify,
the institutional and legal frame work are not in a position to hand over duties and responsibilities
related to the park .hence the reformulation, and capacitating of the institutional and legal bodies and
stakeholders will be vital

c) Weak institutional linkages and capacity of stakeholders: This is one of the critical issues that need
immediate intervention. The legal and institutional sectors, are not clear on their mandates on the
management of the park and also Weak institutional linkages and capacity .at every level -at woreda and
kebele level

d) The issue of farmland and Buffer zone: As stated in this paper there was a confusion and overlap
between the settlers farm land demarcation and the buffer zone on park delineation. These needs to be
solved, otherwise this will give hint to the adjacent people to abuse the park territories with the name of
property rights.

2.6.2) Strategic recommendations and the way forward

2.6.2.1 Strategic recommendations

The preliminary analyses presented suggest several necessary recommendations discussed bellow;

a)Local community Development Recommendations

The strategy for establishing an economically developed society
- Continue to support income-generating activities in a way it can help the community have
economic capabilities
- Promote family-planning and regulate seasonal migration
- Improve access to markets and add market value
- Improve access to micro-credit on the basis of social capital
- Provide support to the Gumuz people traditions
- Increase farm incomes through improved agricultural production based on efficient, more
equitable and sustainable use and management of water and land resources.

The strategy for the consideration of socioeconomic factors in away they can assist the
development of the park

- Promote adult education, to aware the community on every development spheres
- Enhance quality education to build a generation which contributes for the appropriate
development and enhancement of the park

- Facilitate the health sector implementation and services(both regular and reproductive) more
better than they are now, so that there will be a healthy community who will be working on a
sustainability based resources use and management
- Aware the community on the issues of the effects of population pressure on resources, and hence
enhance reproductive health services too

b) Park Conservation Recommendations

The strategy for establishing a better institutional and legal framework at higher medium local
and community level:
- Implementing the strategy of institutional strengthening at the central, provincial, district and
village levels;
- Improve and modernize the legal and technical framework for managing, developing and
protecting park resources to meet the needs of current and future generations
- review relevant existing legislative provisions to remove potential duplications and omissions,
and enable effective implementation of the transitional and final institutional frameworks;
- publicize new legislation and regulations based on the review of the previous to provide for
enhanced Park management , including clearly defining the roles, responsibilities and powers of
sub-sector institutions and organizations;
- Raise awareness amongst stakeholders of the need for integrated, multi-sectoral planning.
- Raise awareness on the best use and conservation of the park resources; and apply economic and
administrative instruments.
- Improving coordination and participation of stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and
management of the park management schemes.
- Expanding , encourage , assist and capacitate community organizations like Park conservation
taskforce, and land administration committee

The strategy for capacity building of stakeholders, and the community in a way they can make the
park effective

- identify sector needs at all levels in terms of staffing and skills requirements;
- identify special interests, training and capacity building needs of the different groups in the
management of the park
- implement a human resources development plan for building staff capacities in park
management at all levels;

The strategy to stop the movement of International Nomads (Felatas)
- Make clear discussions with the Neighboring Gedarif Region Authorities about their effects , and
the way they can be aware
- Enhance an integrated border security system
- Make regular check up and control during the time of immigration in two sides
- Make all local community that their movement is illegal and every one needs to be responsible
on giving information
- Have alliance with Dindir National Park
- The strategy to enhance facilities in the park Office
- Develop the capacity of the park officers
- Enhance the park access roads, and water points
- ETV promotion about the Park
- Office build up for the Park and guest house and tourist parking

2.6.2.2 The way forward:

- What to be done next?
For Alatish to move forward the following actions are advised.
Undertake the immediate revision of the study document and screen out the very immediate concerns of
the park and start some interventions which are highly needed right now
Develop Sustainable management plan and look for means of implementation like financial, human and
related resources.




CHAPTER THREE

III. ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK




Fig.3.1 Natural Face of Alatish





3.1 DIVERISTY AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Variability among living resources and ecological complex refers a variety of life forms which provides
the building block to adapt in changing environmental condition. Biological resources and their diversity
are a source of improved plant and animals for human needs as source of food, medicine and insurance
for further food security and those might not have known direct value currently may turnout to be
economically, socially and ecologically vital in the future (IBDC, 2005). This enormously calls for to
establish, identification, conservation and maintenance of ALNP of the Amhara region as one of areas
its detail lists biological resources are not known, that might be due to inadequate attention to biological
resources of the area and/or inaccessibility for scientific study and leaving as a natural setting to be used
in the future. Alatish has vast area of natural forest with undifferentiated woody plants and complex
multilayered understory coupled with endless spread green mat in wet season and burned faced in dry
season with scattered evergreen plants that are relatively resistant to fire.


Fig.3.2 Alatish: River bed, Riverine forest, Wood land and Escarpment in Eastern Alatish

The park has a variety of fauna and flora which require conservation. Alatish is especially rich in reptile
diversity such as African rock python, monitor lizard, Egyptian cobra, black mamba and blandings tree
snake (Tadesse habtamu, 2005). It also harbors endangered and rare species like Loxodonata africana,
Panthera pardus, Panthera leo and also lower risk but conservation dependant Tragelaphus imberbis
and Tragelaphus strepsicero (Chere Enawugaw et al, 2006). Permanent but intermittent rivers bordering
the park like Aayima and Gelegu provide huge amount of fish resources to the local communities
besides being the main water sources of people and animals. Alatish is main River that crosses the center
of the park used as a reservoir of water under sandy bed for dry season to save many of wildlife
resources.

Though, detail studies on identification of botanical aspect of Alatish is not done yet, however, the park
comprises 130 species plants with different habits of which 84 tree and shrub, 29 herbs of food and
medicinal plants and 17 grass species identified in different habitats such as wooded land, grasslands,
seasonal wetland, riverine, scrub, sandy, rocky and hilly areas of the park. Additional investigation and
delineation must be continued. The floristic composition and their values have significant
environmental, social and economical role.

In its wildlife, Alatish is also rich in zoological resources and it is a home of various types of wild
animals listed. 37 mammalian species of which 8 area not recently (last 15 years) seen, 204 bird species
of which 143s species diversity and abundance is studied, 23 species of rodents, 6 species of
insectivores and 7 types of reptiles and amphibians with various species are found in Alatish.

Tadesse Habtamu, (2005) indicated that some species like rodents Myomys albipes and Desmomys
harringtoni endemic in highland forests of Ethiopia are found in Alatish; species C. flovescens, C.turba
and C. fumosa which are not recorded below 1500masl are also abundant in Alatish. Three shrew
species are also newly described in Alatish which indicates the richness. Huge vegetation biomass, large
number of herbivores and rodents are a prey base for other higher mammals and effective conservation
interest for human.

The threats on biological resources are hunting, extensive grazing and recurrent firing in dry season. But
soil erosion is relatively lower because of low human intervention in wet season and free from
cultivation in core area which insures the recovery of flora in short wet season and minimizes erosive
nature of extensive flood from the highlands of Quara and its vicinities. .

3.2 EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCE VALUES (ERVS)

Ecosystem components and their attributes are the major source of values and are particular biophysical
features of Alatish on which conservation and utilization effort concerned. ERVs uses for management
in maintaining the unique ecological and social characters that provides outstanding benefit (IUCN,
1994) to local national and international stakeholders and are the major focus of park authorities
management effort. ERVs are management and utilization decisions determining priorities enabling the
park rangers and regional authorities to focus their efforts and funding on management of these values.
The identification of ALNPs ERVs provides a foundation formulating the park purpose statement,
identifying the parks management problems, opportunities and generating management objectives and
targets. They are major sources of attractions.

The major ecosystem components and ERVs of ALNP include:
- Outstanding natural, cultural, historical and social features
- Sensitive and threatened physical settings and wildlife species
- Habitats necessary for existence/survival of threatened wildlife species
- Resources sensitive to human use and critical to local community livelihood
- Major cultural and historical sites

Alatishs ample resources that could be delineated as ERVs prioritized and grouped to three main
categories under natural, scenic and socio-cultural systems described as follows and could be ranked in
detail studies during preparation of management plan.


Fig.3.3 Twin hills of Laydinnar and its rock hole, Diza (Adonsonia digitata) palace for Emperor
Haileselasie in 1941
These ERVs and their components could be managed to reverse existing worsening ecological
components or threats through effective management schemes. To sustain the natural face ecological
units that require protection and conservation so as to minimize human and other negative impacts are
classified in major three ecosystems and several subcomponents.

Table.3.1 ERVs of Alatish National Park
Category Exceptional Resource Values (ERVs)
N
a
t
u
r
a
l

Lowland mosaic undifferentiated scattered wooded grasslands
Biogeographically represents Guinea Sudan Biome Savannah Region
Seasonally fascinating riverine and seasonal wetland hydrological systems
Divers, rare, endangered and conservation dependant species
Green guard for expansion of desert
Self recovering ecosystem vegetation recover in short wet season
Seasonal movement of animals across international boarder of Alatish-Dinder
Wet and dry seasons allowing the animals for local migration or change of habitats
Water conservation through sinking under broad sandy river bed in dry season
Riverine and seasonal wetland habitat competition of different species in dry season
Vantage points for prey predators and habitats for carnivores and terrestrial reptiles
Unique botanical feature riverine forest and scrubland
S
c
e
n
i
c


Endless undifferentiated Terminalea and Acacia vegetation cover plain
Intact Shrub and multifaceted scrub vegetation and golden sand and rocky hills
Attractive flatlands interrupted by scattered valleys and hills of special attraction
Large meadow of green mat and wet season flood plains
Occupation of different colorful bird species in similar riverine habitats in dry season
S
o
c
i
o
-
c
u
l
t
u
r
a
l

Divers and unique ethnic and linguistic of Gumze, Amhara, Agew, Arab and Datsen
Traditional water extraction under sandy river course and construction of water trough
Battle and residence caves and rock holes
Possible regional and national trans-boundary park as Alatish Dinder Transboundary Park
Source of economic plants for local communities Bamboo, Frankincense and medicinal plants
Traditional fishing system
Traditional extraction of minerals such as gold and marble
Historical sites of Omedila and near by Wood hewn palace for Emperor Haile Selaseie in
1941
Traditional wild honey collection system, beehive construction design, basketry and different
hand crafts


3.3 ECOSYSTEMS

Alatish is little known in its biological diversity and ecosystem characteristics. Biogeographically it falls
in Guinea Sudan Biome region of tropical Savanna. Based on the classification of Ethiopian ecosystems
of IBDC, 2005 Alatish falls in two combined ecosystem complexes of AcaciaComiphora Woodland
Ecosystem and Combretum-Terminalia Woodland with various habitats of others ecosystems such as
intact scrublands ecosystem. AcaciaComiphora Woodland Ecosystem part of Alatish is out of the range
of altitude in this ecosystem of other parts of the country occurring between 900-1900masl but similar in
vegetation type characterized by drought resistant trees and shrubs either deciduous or few ever green
plant species of Acacia Senegal, Acacial seyal, Acacial tortilis, Balantites aegyptiaca and sub shrubs
undifferentiated succulents with various climbing species of ground vegetation (IBDC, 2005).

As to Combretum-Terminalia Woodland Alatish ecosystem is largely related and fall in similar altitude
500-900m. Alatish ecosystems are characterized by having plain lands small to moderate sized trees
with luxurious deciduous leaves and understory. These include Teminalia, Combretum and Ficus spp.
Economic important species such as Boswellia papyrifera and Oxytenanthera abssinica and medicinal
plats such as Setereospermum kunthianum and various herbs and shrubs. These vegetation layers are
prominent in river valleys and vast meadows of extensive wooded land and escarpment of scrub habitats
of Alatish. ALNP and its vicinities locally represent more than one ecosystem and delineated
ecosystems based on vegetation, soil, water and topography of the area that suits for ecosystems
components management intervention.

The dominant high canopy vegetation layer, soil color and texture, topographic setup and water retention
and seasonal variability are used for criteria for ecosystem classification. Based on these ALNP roughly
delineated in three major ecosystems and several communities, these are Reverine and Seasonal Wetland
Ecosystems (RSWE), Mixed Wooded Grassland Ecosystem (MWGE), and Shrub and Scrubland
Ecosystem (SSE). The total area comprised by each ecosystem estimated by single ocular observation
of Braun Blanquet or Releve Techniques developed in 1974 measure from the total area of the park,
averages of observation taken from Dass Terara (Amrakuba), Layi Dinnar, Berenta and Bayiwa hills.

3.3.1 Riverine and Seasonal Wetland Ecosystems (RSWE)

The RSWEs are found in the river banks of Alatish, Gelegu, Ayima and other streams and tributaries of
these large rivers that extends up to 1-3 km from both sides of the river bed and are rich in biophysical
feature. It is highly dominated by luxurious tall trees of Terminalia, Ficus, Stereospermum kunthianum,
Tamarindus indica and Comberetium spp. and associated with Z. spina Christ, Cardia luta and
Pilostigma reticulatum. This ecosystem comprises the river course, deep plain and valleys along rivers
and a few kilometer distances away as seasonal wetlands (Sambri). The ground cover and understory is
dense and tall 2-3m high multilayered vegetation composed of luxurious herbs and grasses. The main
grasses include Bekeropsis uniseta, Eragrosis tremula and Sorghum sudanenis with different species of
herbs, and climbers under growth. Re-growth of understory and grasses are prevalent after few days of
burring in dry season due to residual moisture which used as feed source for cattle and other animals in
the long dry season in which green vegetation of other plants rarely found. Broad leaved trees density
and growth declines along down to the direction of lower course of Alaish River.

Seasonal wet lands are a part of this ecosystem differ from riverine forest lands in having vast stagnant
floods in wet season and dried grassy plain in dry season and highly affected by recurrent fire which
aggravated by a huge biomass of annual herbs and tall grasses fuel load. The higher canopy cover in
seasonal wetlands is Acacia seyal-Balanties dominated by different species of Acacia and Balanties
aegyptica and Combretum harimannianum.


Fig.3.4 Riverine and Seasonal Wetland Ecosystem (RSWE)

This ecosystem occurs extensively in and around river banks and cracking clay soils in flat areas of
Serjaka between Ardeba to Yelkuk; Skun to west of Laydinnar used as feeding The muddy flood of
Sumbri is more suitable for elephants locally known as Mezega or muddy habitat of African Elephant.
A.seyal and related species dominates flat areas of seasonal wetlands (Sambri) and partially a part of it
covered with B. aegyptiaca scattered in relatively drained clay soils. It extends central to northern
extremis of the park one to three km away from major rivers and western flat lands bordering Dinder
National Park of Sudan. Undulations `in the topography and variation in soil type result in patches of
undifferentiated or mixed stands of Combretum spp. associated with A.seyal and on the age of water
courses (river bank) are dominated by A. sieberiana, Ziziphus spina-christi and Z.abyssinica.

Seasonal wetlands of this ecosystem partly remain as pool area for several months in most areas devoid
of large trees and in some parts water logging resistant acacia and Terminalia spp and leafy herbs and
excessively growing hygromorphic grasses. In the long dry season Warthogs used it heavily by digging
up the soil in search of tubers and roots. Animal species so far observed and identified in this rapid
assessment are reedbuck (Reduna reduna), Orbi (Ourebia ourebia), Wathog (phacochoerus africanus),
ostrich (Struthic camelus), and many bird species that feed on small fish like the Marabou stork
(Leptoptilas crumeniferus. This ecosystem is serves as a best habitat for reptiles and Amphibians.

According to field estimation by single ocular observation using Braun Blanquet or Releve Techniques
developed in 1974 measure of RSWE of Alatish covers about 15-20 % of the total area of the park.

3.3.2 Mixed Wooded Grassland Ecosystem (MWGE)

MWGE is characterized by mixed trees and multilayered dominated Terminalia spp., Combretum spp.
and scattered Ficus spp. found relatively in wettest part closer to foothills of eastern scrub lands of
Derahasen and Nigela, Berenta and Sholawuha, that extends to the middle of Alatish and Eastern
boarder Abamerafa to Gerara, Eeast of Aredeba and Sahul. This ecosystem is also fond in scattered flat
lands in South parts of Alatish three to five kilometer away from Ayima River next to riverine and
adjacent shrub vegetation to the south of Demir (Shifta Meda), Tsequa and Omedela in south west parts
and vast meadow in western part of Demir (Sare meda) to the direction of Amdok. This ecosystem is
widely dominated by healthy and vigorous wooded plain, bamboo forest, scattered tree grassland and
undifferentiated tree communities. Mixed wooded grassland ecosystem is swept by fire frequently in
every dry season. Relatively A.seyal, B.aegyptica and Terminalia spp are resistant to fire and re-vegetate
immediately after spring shower of rain.

Fig.3.5 MWGE Central Alatish (Left) Amejalie (Right)

The ground vegetation is dominated by mixed grasses, herbs and shrubs largely composed of different
species of Compositae, Acanthaeae and Convolvulaceae spp. The common once are Celosia orgenitia,
Vernonia, Cassia and Hibiscuss spp. At species level ground vegetation is similar with DNP composed
of annual grasses such as Sorghum sudanenisis, Pennisetum ramosum, Setaria incrassate, Hyperrhenia
spp. and Aristida plumose (UNEP/GEF, 2004).

This ecosystem comprises vast area of the park and complex undifferentiated vegetation cover and
endless meadow estimated about 65-70 % of the core area of the park using single ocular observation of
Braun Blanquet or Releve Techniques of 1974.

3.3.3 Shrub and Scrubland Ecosystem (SSE)

This ecosystem comprises eastern escarpments with intact scrubland vegetation dominated by shrubs
and small trees composed of dense bamboo forest. It is mainly found around west of Bambahoo, Along
Albid river and to the west Zenjero Meda, Sholawuha extending to the north around Negela, Dokmit,
Berenta, Abamerafa and Mehadid hills and stream beds in the eastern part of the core and buffer zone of
the park. In other parts of the park this ecosystem is found few kilometers from Ayima River next to
RSWE and interrupted by MWGE to south west direction of hilly and rugged areas of Tsequa,
Balankure, Omedila and Mulugeta Terara. It is also found in central, western and northern scattered hills
and its vicinities of Demir, Laydinnar, Bermel, Ketef (Hamtish) and Menta (Amdok).

This ecosystem vegetation represented by shrub and small trees of thorny plants of different Acacia spp.
bamboo and Comberetum spp scattered patch of grasses between open flat and fractured rocky surfaced
ragged and intact areas dominated by Terminalia brawni, Boswellia payriffera, Adonsonia digitata. Soil
in this ecosystem is shallow and sandy which supports Setaria grasses, creepers, climbers, epiphytes,
lichens and mosses.

Fig..3.6 Shrub land (Right) Scrubland (Left)

Similarly estimated size of this ecosystem was measured by Broun Blanket 1974, estimated about 20-
25% of the total size of the park.

3.4 . SEASONAL STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ECOSYSTEMS

The major distinct feature of Alatish ecosystems and their components are characterized by seasonal
extreme variability of their situation, human and threats intervention. Feature of each ecosystem exhibit
different behavioral manifestation largely depend on extreme climatic fascinating feature and
human/livestock pressure in dry season. Natural climatic change is one of natural ecological unique
process of biophysical entities of which could be ecological aspect of the park and verifies ecological
process as optional value. In wet season Alatish remain natural and it is time of self recovery. No threat
induced by human in this season. Felatta nomads expel or drive out their greater than 800,000 cattle
from Alatish in June because of natural force induced by animal diseases caused by tsetse fly. Some
reason out, they driven out to sale milk and milk products, but not convincing, if it were the case only
milking cows not more than 30% would driven out.

In the same way threats cause by forest honey collectors, hunters, bamboo and other wood product
collectors and fisher men are not enter in to Alatish as it protects with huge vegetation biomass creating
inaccessibility. The forest products in wet season are not reaching at harvestable level coupled with
seasonal work overlap of the people as they are more engaged on farm activities in wet season.
However, all situations in wet season completely reversed its status in to opposite face in dry season.

Most of green biomass lost in dry season due to excessive heat. Rivers and seasonal wetlands remain
with scanty of water through evaporation and sinking under river beds. Changes and lose of huge
biomass in dry season rehabilitates within short wet season (May to October) which makes ecosystems
of Alatish as self recovery ecosystem. However, ecosystems of Alatish interrupted by human pressure
through overgrazing, deforestation, hunting, fishing and water resource competition seriously affect
biophysical process haphazardly. Hence, management and rehabilitation endeavor should address
problems of the two extreme faces of Alatish which could favor the natural and striking feature of the
park in various ecosystems. .

Reverine and Seasonal Wetland Ecosystems (RSWE) of Alatish with huge green biomass and dense
ground cover which comprises 15-20% of total area over saturates with river flow and flooded water in
wet season eventually completely 80-100% dries out from the surface of land in dry season. This assists
to maintain and drive out ground water with few meters depth on the river bed and flood plains in dry
season. Residual moisture and extracted water from sandy river bed causes high habitats competition
during dry season by different species of animal as it is the only water source in the central and lower
course of Alatish in dry season. Human pressure and recurrent fire are significantly responsible for the
loss of biophysical feature of the park in dry season. Dry season particularly on this ecosystem not only
come with absence of surface water but also burden on the life through devastative human induced
impact. Overgrazing by Fellata nomads from Sudan, hunting, firing, fishing and habitat fragmentation
are prevalent in dry season which were not in wet season. If it continues further live resource and
ecological processes will completely altered and requires a huge maintenance cost to reverse in to
original situation. This ecosystem serves as breeding site in wet season because huge vegetation layer in
wet season can hide eggs and kids.


Fig .3.7. Seasonal Variation of Wetland (above) and Riverine Ecosystem (below)

Mixed Wooded Grassland Ecosystem (MWGE): besides the loss of 90-100% green biomass in the dry
season, animals associated in this ecosystem changes their home and migrate to near by areas of water
sources and causes habitat competition and conflict with other species on the new area. Vegetation in
this ecosystem is resistant to moisture stress the animals too. Ground cover of this ecosystem completely
devastates by fire in dry season and woody plants remain partially dry and showing stretched non leafy
branches. This ecosystem only used for feeding area in wet season for a variety of herbivores and home
of burrowing animals in the long dry season with few terrestrial reptiles and squirrels as the soil is easily
looses and the ground hole hides them from predator and intensive heat. This ecosystem is extensively
used by Fellata nomads as source of feed from October to January when vegetation is not completely
dryout and helps them to built bodies of cattle that were starved in wet season due to feed shortage. The
huge terrestrial animal about 14 of African Elephant (Personal communication with local people) largely
feed on this ecosystem in both season. Elephant use vast home range covering extensively this
ecosystem and other ecosystems along the way. Hence, elephant moves in all parts of Alatish which led
by available feed and water. However, its movement and migratory route from Alatish Dinder and
Beshangul Gumuz is not known.


Fig.3.8 seasonal variation in MWGE

Shrub and Scrubland Ecosystem: Scrub habitats provide shelter and water sources for some animal
species like lion, leopard, wild cat, terrestrial reptiles and amphibians. Seasonal change of biological and
physical features of this ecosystem is not unique as of the former two ecosystems. It is known scrub and
shrub lands remain rocky and loss of greenness in dry season as the habitat nature of water holding
incapability in dry season works in the same way in Alatish. However, the vegetation cover and self
recovery capacity is high and covered with dense shrubs and bamboo forest in wet season. In dry season
particularly the eastern escarpment around Bambahoo, Workit, Nigela, Berenta and Abameraf
extensively exploited for bamboo plant harvest and cultivation of hidden and scattered patch of fertile
land. Similarly around Gerara and Bermel affected extensively.

Regarding associated wild animal so variability in habitat change in dry season not significantly change
as they are slow moving and highly dependant on rock hills and caves for shelter. Terrestrial replies and
amphibian are commonly observed. Their names and species are not identified yet. Higher carnivores
such as lions, leopards and caracals use this ecosystem as vantage point to hide their kids and rearing
site. They can move to surrounding water points and feeding areas freely get water and feeds on limited
time of the day. In wet season they extend their territories in to other ecosystems which depend on the
available feed. Now days, particularly lion is found in all areas of the park. As situation indicates it may
be due to viable population and available free hunting area.

Fig.3. 9 Seasonal variation in shrub and scrublands (SSE)
Biophysical components of each principal ecosystem and their ecological level, feature or services it
render for ecosystem components or process and spatial distribution are indicated on table 2.

Table.3.2 Ecosystem Components, Principal Ecological Levels feature and Distribution
Ecosystem
Components/pro
cess
Principal
Ecosystems
Key ecological
feature/
Services
Ecological
level
Spatial Distribution
Several bird
species
RSWE, SSE Breeding and
feeding
Community Along Alatish, Ayima and Gelegu
Rivers and Eastern Escarpments
Multilayered
Dense vegetation
RSWE Hides eggs and
kids
Community Along Alatish, Ayima and Gelegu
Rivers, banks
Golden Sandy
River Bed
RSWE Holds water for
dry season
Community River bed of Alatish its tributaries and
lower course of Gelegu
Variety of reptiles
and Amphibians
RSWE, SSE Breeding and
hiding eggs
Community River banks of Alatish, Gelegu and
Ayima. Eastern escarpment and
Scattered hills
Fast re-growth of
ground vegetation
RSWE Save dry season
feed
Community Gemzmafe, Ardeba, Sahul, Yelkuk,
Kerjakal, Sukun, extends to north
Aljabra, Alga and Amejale and wetern
boarder Abun and Almetai
Sink water under
river bed in dry
season
RSWE Reservoir of
ground water
Community Along Alatish and Around Abun
Competition areas
in dry season
RSWE Water trough
and early re-
growth
Habitats Around River Bank and All Seasonal
Wetlands
Flooded plain in
wet season
RSWE Water and Fish
source
Habitats Around River Bank and All Seasonal
Wetlands and western flatlands
Open grassy deep
self ploughing
clay soil
RSWE Feed and Hide
site
Habitats Seasonal Wetlands of Gemzmafe,
Ardeba, Sahul, Yelkuk, Kerjakal,
Sukun etends to north Aljabra, Alga
and Amejale and wetern boarder
Abnun and Almetani
Rocky and
Scattered` Hills
SSE Observation
points
Habitats Nigela, Zebator and Berenta hills along
the eastern scrub lands and scattered
hills of Amerakuba, Dinnar, and Ketef
in the north, Demir, Tsequa and
Mulugeta terara in the centr, Balankur,
and Abduwan to the south Omedila,
Almeta and Menta to the West
Escarpments SSE Vantage point Habitats Bambahoo to Mehadid of eastern
escarpments including Albid,
Sholawuha and Berenta Afaf that
extends to the south along Ayima river
up to Aybeza and Abunta relatively
plain scrub areas.
African Elephant MWGE Ensure viable
population
Species South and Western Wooded Grassland
and Central Floodplain
Antelopes MWGE Diversity and
viable
population
Species Central and Eastern wooded Grasslands
and Western flood plain
Bamboo forest SSE,
MWGE
Densely
populated and
fast growth
Species Eastern Scrublands, Centeral to
Southern mixed vegetation of Berenta,
Sholawuha, Albid, Aybeza Abunta
extending to South West around
Tsequa to Hymnishmish
Diza (Baobao) SSE Isolated Huge
Tree
Species Eastern escarpment Albid to Mehadid
inside and outside the park, Mehadid to
Gerara and plain escarpments of Along
Ayiama river extends to Omedila
Acacia, Balantus,
and Terminalia
feed trees
MWGE Dry season feed
and shade
Species Centeral wooded grasslands extending
to western extensive plain and north of
Amtish around Amejalie and Alga
Forest honey bee All Economic Species Eastern escarpment, Southern and
central riverine flatlands
Boswellia
papyrifera and
Acacia Spp.
SSE Frankincense
and Gum source
Species Scrub lands of eastern escarpments
extending to south around Aybeza,
Abunta and Aygumba and at the top of
Amrakuba hill
Lion SSE,RSWE Unviable
population
Species Eastern escarpments around Nejela and
Sholawua, centeral riverine forest and
around Amejalie near to Gelegu
Leopard SSE Unviable
population
Species Eastern escarpments
N.B. Geographic coordinates of each area listed in appendix in different category

3.5. ECOSYSTEMS COMPONENETS AND THREATS

ALNP categorized into three broad ecosystems RSWE, MWGEand SSE in which the major
components in each ecosystem producers (green plants), the consumers (herbivores and carnivores), the
decomposers (fungi and bacteria), nonliving, and dead organic matter and nutrients in the soil and water
are properly functioning. These ecosystems encompasses inherently complex resources that could be
further categorized into associated sub units that may occur exclusively within the single ecosystem or
across which could indicate the interdependence of ecosystems. Thus, identification of key components
of ecosystem on which monitoring, management and conservation schemes could be implemented. If
these ecosystem components are conserved thus, an overall healthy and functional ecosystem could be
sustainably maintained and efficiently utilized on which management endeavor are effectively
implemented.

Each ecosystem natural feature and processes are subjected to largely human made threats. The threat
assessment was taken through visualization and information from park office, local residents and key
informant to measure the relationship between ecological components and threats. Overall threats were
leveled as Very High, High, Medium and Low as apparent and potential threat through observation of
the relationship between threats and ecological components based on critical analysis of threat
frequency, available driving forces and possibility of applying alternative solutions measured through
severity, scope and rank.

Table. 3.3. Key Ecological Components (Conservation targets), Threat and Ecological Levels
No Key Ecological
component
Threats Severity Scope Ranking Ecological
Levels
1 Ecosystem
process and
animals
movement
Poaching and overgrazing V. High V. high V. High Ecosystems
Habitat fragmentation V. High V. High V. High
Recurrent fire High V. High V. High
Seasonal water shortage High V. High V. High
Habitats competition High High High
Cut off migratory route V. High V. High V. High
2 Riverine and
seasonal wetlands
Habitat Competition V. High V. High V. High
Habitat fragmentation V. High V. High V. High
Poaching V. High V. High V. High
Overgrazing V. High V. High V. High
Fire V. high High V. High
3 Wooded
grasslands
Fire V. High V. High V. High
Overgrazing V. High V. High V. High
Hunting V. High V. High V. High
Seasonal water shortage V. High V. High V. High
Expansion of agricultural
lands
High Medium High
Deforestation High Low High
4 Shrub and scrub
habitats
Fire V. High V. High V. High
Seasonal water shortage High High High
Habitat competition Medium Low Medium
Deforestation and over
grazing
High Medium High
5 Forest honey bee Fire V. High V. High V. High Community
Smuggling Medium Low Medium
Poaching V. High High V. High
Deforestation High V. High V. High
6 Bamboo forest, Fire V. High High High
Deforestation High Medium High
Overgrazing V. High V. High V. High
Smuggling High Medium High
7 Diza (Baobao) Fire V. High High High
No Key Ecological
component
Threats Severity Scope Ranking Ecological
Levels
Deforestation High Medium High
Overgrazing V. High V. High V. High
Smuggling High Medium High
8 African Elephant Poaching V. High High V. High Species
Habitat competition V. High V. High V. High
unviable population V. High V. High V. High
Overgrazing V. High V. High V. High
Fire V. High V. High V. High
9 Antelopes Poaching V. High V. High V. High
Seasonal water shortage V. High V. High V. High
Overgrazing V. High V. High V. High
Fire Medium High High
unviable population V. High V. High V. High
10 Boswellia
papyrifera and
Acacia Spp.
Fire High High High
Smuggling Medium Low Medium
Deforestation Low Low Low
Over use Low Low Low
key
Threat level
(Over all)
Very high High Medium Low
Severity (level
of damage)
Destroy or illuminate
ecological component
Seriously degrade
ecological components
Moderately Degrade
Ecological
Components
Slightly Impair
Ecological
Components
Scope (Spatial
Extent)
Very widespread or
prevalence on 75% of
the park
Widespread on 50-
75% of the park
Localized in distinct
and limited spot
Very localized
Threats such as fire, seasonal grazing, hunting and habitats fragmentation are ranked at the top in
severity and scope in their order of importance.

3.6. USE VALUE OF ECOSYSTEMS

Biodiversity is critically important because it is valued, used and could be used to sustain and increase
human well being. Different values of biodiversity in ALNP have been recognized thereby, nomads,
hunters, traditional ethnic groups used as a source of livelihood for a decades. However, quantitative
values for various groups should be assessed with scientific techniques. Broadly, ecological values of
ALNP are classified in to four categories.

Use value: Extensive area of Alatish used as a grazing area for Fellata nomads as feed source for greater
than 300,000 cattle and 180,000 shoats, collection of wild honey bee, bamboo, fishing and hunting
which use biological resources as a direct and consumptive value drives from the direct role of
biological resources in consumption or production. Estimate of direct value has not done yet. However,
huge amount of resources are directly consumed by different groups there by thousand people are
directly benefited. It essentially concerns marketable commodities directly harvested or manipulated in
different forms.

Option value: Biodiversity, which might became available in the future. Option values of species not
currently in demand may be quite high. The viable population of higher mammals may help for
establishing wildlife ranching, excessive product sale, honey bee farming, and reptile and help to
establish hand craft industry. Some species could become important to adapt to possible climatic
changes. Biological resources particularly dense vegetation may serve as a carbon sink thereby, the
country my benefit from Carbone trade in which Alatish could provide indispensable service in this
regard. Hence, the value of ecosystem components services has become paramount in the field of
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Currently Ethiopian forest could earns as carbon
sink estimated 3.3 billion USD annually (Getachew Tesfay, 2008)

Pre cautionary value: indirect or non-consumptive use values of the genetic diversity that may contribute
on the stability of the ecosystem particularly in the face of climatic changes at global or regional level.
In this regard Alatish could be used as A Green Guard for eastward expansion of Sahara desert. The
value of conserving the genetic resources of a range population of a species of established socio
economic importance may also be grater in the context of expected climatic changes. Particular interest
attaches to the edge of a species natural range, where the local populations may be adapted to more
extreme environmental stresses in ecotone. Alatish has a potential to conserve endangered species of
wildlife such as African Elepant and a huge tree peculiar to the area Deza Adonsonia digitata and
Bedeno Balaentus, B.aegyptica, Key Gerar A.seyal which could maintains the ecological status of
the prevalent biome. The water balance and regeneration of plants for feed in dry season supports
various species of fauna existence. As a whole option value serves for ecological benefits.

Existence Value: Value of rare and more precious wildlife species and their habitat that is most
vulnerable to genetic improvement or even to extinction thorough intensive harvesting with out adequate
management and attention to the conservation of genetic resource. Alatish and its biological resources
are among a few areas of the country nearly natural state which could serve a variety rare and
endangered species the biome could exist. Conservation of Alatish which has divers and unique
biological could be preserved and sustainably used for present and future generation. Hence, existence
of divers biological resources and in various ecosystems and their components serves to earn millions of
dollar through tourism industry which extensively generated by existence of diversified biological
resources and physical settings that have high attractions. Multilingual and cultural ethnic group with are
a resources could maintain ecotourism value of the park which ensures sustainable participatory
management of biophysical resources of the park..

3.7. ECOSYSTEM INTERCONNECTEDNESS

Ecosystem components in Alatish perform their life function through interdependence. The rich
diversity of the living entities in Alatish interconnected in various ways.

Different types of organisms live side by side in complex ecological networks of interdependency, each
relying on the others that share its habitat for nutrients and energy through food chain, food web and
shelter. Existence of huge vegetation in wet season supports breeding and reproduction of large number
of herbivores which serves as main source of feed for carnivores at different hierarchy shifting from
their scrubland and shrub vegetation to riverine and wooded grasslands. For instance, huge Sudan grass
uses for feed and hide Warthogs and variety of Antelopes to breed in a large number to serve as a source
of feed for lion and other carnivores.

The most striking interdependence in Alatish is birds and primates are an indicator of water source in
dry season. Baboons and Elephants dig on a sandy bed to drive out water that could serve for other
animals. Riverine and seasonal wetlands serve as alternative habitats and as a water source in excessive
heat season in which unrelated and prey and predators use the same habitats in different time of the day.
Herbivores drink water in the evening and early morning, primates and cattle during day time and
carnivores, reptiles and amphibians drink water around the middle of the night. The traditional nomads
facilitate water sources for animals in dry season and use them for food. Others extensively collect and
harvest forest honey and forest products from the park extensively where water is available.

Human is considered to be omnivore, eating plants and animals; therefore, food chains in Alatish are not
isolated sequences but are interconnected with one another. Human as an omnivore uses many of
biological resources of the park and his winning behavior affects adversely. Many of flora and fauna
species are extensively used. Hence, the natural status and sustainability with its natural face
haphazardly affected which requires effective conservation and management scheme for Alatish.

Basically major ecosystems and co-occurring components are naturally interdependent for sustainable
survival. But, the bond binds various ecosystem components are mainly broken by human, at the same
times the bond further interweaves as human generates effective conservation and sustainable
utilization. The situation drives to develop efficient management and utilization scheme which could
create healthy ecosystems in Alatish. Many of excessive harvesting of forest honey, bamboo forest and
other plant products could be shifted in to sustainable ways through suitable management and utilization
schemes. Exploitative utilization dependence through nomadic, hunting, fishing and collection of plants
and their product which are inimical to the sustainability of conservation continued for centuries. These
traditions of exploitative consumption transferring to generation should cease on time. The quantitative
measure of interdependence and possible cope up strategies has to be investigated.

3.8. ECOSYSTEM THREATS AND TRENDS

Ecosystem threats of ALNP are factors resulted directly or indirectly from human activities that causes
for wildlife and their habitats destruction. It has a potential to impair and degrade ecosystem partially or
the whole. The priority threats that need call on urgent management decision identified are:

- Poaching and encroachment (illegal hunting, deforestation, collection of wild plant and
animals and disturbance)
- Seasonal overgrazing (Fellata, Arab and Binamir nomads access the area for grazing October to
may)
- Habitat Competition (for water and early re-growing time for feed competition with human and
domestic stock)
- Incomplete Ecosystem (Ayima and Gelegu rivers half river bank to the direction of adjacent to
BGRS)
- Cutting of wild animals seasonal local migration or internal movement route ( By Nomads
and Poachers)
- Recurrent fire ( Bush and human induced fire)
- Unviable population Size ( very low population or rarely seen wild animals due to habitats
destruction, Low Number of Threatened species of higher mammals population )
- Deforestation ( Extraction of Bamboo Forest, Phoenix Leaves, Removal of Acacia Barks and
Expansion of Arable Land)
- Seasonal Water Shortage (Wooded, Grasslands and Scrub Vegetation zone are suffer from
water shortage in dry season)

3.8.1 Analysis of Threat zone

Threats on the ecological setup of ALNP exhibited from two directions. First, from natural process
which could be adverse the normal functioning of natural process derived from natural forces. For
instant, seasonal flooding in wet season and water shortage in the dry season and self removal of huge
wet biomass and recovering after a short shower of rain. Sandy river bed sinks water for dry season
storage. Self laughing deep black soil supports different life forms in different season. These natural
phenomena are a measure of natural balance which describes the fascinating process of ecosystem
components valued as Alatish natural regeneration feature of existence value.


Fig.3.10. Expansion of settlement as a potential threat of the park (Marwuha)

The second devastative and deliberate mechanism is emanated from the evil think and act of human
being which haphazardly destroys the sustainable and interdependence fashion of natural ecological
process through poaching, overgrazing, hunting, habitat fragmentation and fairing. This consecutively
creates migratory route cut, incomplete ecosystem, habitats competition, unviable population and end up
with habitats and ecosystem destruction. These threats in Alatish are incurred 99% by FalLata nomads
from Sudan in dry season, indigenous local people Gumuz, Amhara and Agew mainly on buffer zone
uses the park resources for grazing, bamboo for construction and sale, forest honey, hunting and beehive
construction. Hence, suitable intervention could be designed and implemented depending on correct
investigation of cause and effect relationship as discussed below. Such interweaved system of hazard
has narrow opportunities and requires huge investment to reveres the situation. Analysis of ecological
threats in Alatish targeted to affected ecosystems with possible solution and opportunities.

Table..3.4. Ecosystem Threats analysis
No Threats Dominantly
affected
(ecosystem)
Spatial
coverage
(Threat
Zone)
Costs
to
rehabil
itate
Solution/Contr
olling
mechanisms
Opportunity Trends
(Threat
status)
1 Poaching and
encroachmen
t
RSWE, SSE
and MWGE
All areas of
the park
V. high Minimizing
human
intervention
Self Regulating
/Rehabilitant
ecosystems
Increasing
2 Seasonal MWGE,RS All areas of High Prohibiting Seasonal Slightly
over grazing WE the park Fellata nomads
from entrance
entrance (in
October)
decreasing
3 Habitats
competition
RSWE Central
Alatish In
dry season
High Dig ground
water in
different areas
Presences of
near
underground
water
Increasing
4 Incomplete
Ecosystem
Riverine
habitats
Along
Gelegu and
Ayima
V. high Establishing
trans regional
boundary park
Interest of
Villagers in
Beshangul
Gumuz
Increase
5 Migration
route cut
MWGE Central and
Northern
High Blocking
entrance route
Known and
definite time of
entrance
Slightly
decrease
6 Recurrent
Fire
RSWE, SSE
and MWGE
All areas of
the park
High Develop Fire
break
Established
road designed
and reduce fuel
load
Increased
7 Unviable
population
size
Higher
Mammals
and plants
All parts High Minimize
human and
domestic stock
intervention
Fast
Rehabilitation
of habitats and
reproduction
rate
Slightly
decreasing
8 Deforestation MWGE,
SSE
Near
villages
High Rehabilitate on
buffer zone
Sustainable use
of buffer zone
Increased
9 Seasonal
water
shortage
MWGE,
SSE
Wooded
and
scrublands
V. High Drive out
ground water
Near distance of
available
ground water
Increasing
10 Forest honey
collection
SSE,
MWGE
Eastern and
central
High Haney bee
rearing in buffer
zone
Similar habitat
for honey bee
Increasing
11 Hunting SSE,
MWGE,
SSE
All part of
the park
V. High Minimize
human
interference
Education,
Monitoring
Patrol
Slightly
decreased

3.9. ALNP MANAGEMENT ZONE

The diversity of natural heritages, complex management techniques, multiplicity of economic and
community as well as naturalness impacts are the principal management issues in the park. These
principal governing issues lead develop functional zoning dividing the area in different protection and
use regions to resolve park human conflict though implementing suitable and effective management
actions and activities.

The main zoning features identified during field assessment were a functional zoning identifying areas
of consecutive coverage and suitability for decision making and spatial intervention to implement
activities desired to apply within and around the park through participatory approach. This zoning
system helps to develop frameworks that guide to address diverging management and utilization needs
of conservation of natural settings for sustainability, regulating utilization and promoting tourism values
in various groups of park authorities and local communities. It largely assists local community and park
authorities to develop suitable and agreed management and sustainable utilization techniques.
In addressing ecosystem components primarily management effort should be targeted to conservation of
natural vegetation and controlling associated threats. Removal of all inimical and activities that are
beyond stated park management on this ecological unit may reduces the impact of threats on other
components. Vegetation is home of wildlife and exhibiting distinct face due to human intervention in
which the biophysical status of the park is seriously affected. Participatory and sustainable management
decision enhanced if relevant stakeholders develop sense of ownership on spatial resources. Delineated
management zone are used to improve ERVs of the park. Alatish management zone is delineated as
Core area, buffer zone and development zone.

Core Area Zone: core areas of the park are currently demarcated park boundary of 2,665.7 Sq km
owned by park authorities designated for protection and conservation of biological and physical
resources, used for recreational (tourism), scientific research, ecological, economical and social benefits
with not more than 25% carefully selected and abundant resources or by products directly consumed or
used and built up for park infrastructure to insure management and utilization effectiveness and
requirement of conservation. This zone is managed to attain IUCN protected area category I
management objectives.

Buffer zone: an area between core and development zone covers two to five kilometers away from
core area boarder. It is owned by park authorities and protected for sustainable management and
utilization for local communities with strong support and follow up by park rangers. The utilization and
management systems are decided by park authorities, other relevant stakeholders and communities with
collaborative efforts and consensus. Major activities going on in this management zone are sustainable
grazing, forest honey, dried bamboo, frankincense, gum, grasses, construction and farm implement
materials collection, wild animal ranching and related community based ecotourism centers. Moreover,
it serves as the demonstration site for natural vegetation and indigenous plants aforestation schemes
education site for proper protection and utilization. Buffer zones are found only in South East, East,
North East and North part of the park. Ayima River is bordering south and south east core area of the
park with Beshangulgumuz Regional State. Western part is directly boarded with DNP..

Development zone: development zone is found next to buffer zone. Mainly involves the whole
Kebele bordering the park and residences. This zone is entirely used by local communities and owned
for crop, animal, fruits, agro forestry practices and commercial farming sites including sites for
settlement and communal grazing. Utilization and management system is exclusively decided by the
community as well as the individual he/she owned that plot of land. Park authorities support the
community livelihood maintenance that can reduce their impact on the park. Community awareness
creation schemes, sustainable tourism options, ecotourism facilities, traditional and economical
contribution and over all value of the park disseminated for the local communities and their contribution
for the well being of the park too.

Buffer and development zone are not found in park areas bordering Beshanegul Gumze and Sudan.
These areas could be delineated as transitional zone negotiation with BGRS and Sudan. These national
and regional boarder areas are directly linked with core areas of the park. There are options to extend the
park to Beshanegul Gumze region and make the park Trans Regional and Trans boundary with Sudan
linking to Beshangul Gumuz and Dinder National Park respectively.

3.10. HUMAN RESOURCE AND FACILITIES

The park officially inaugurated in June 2006 employing not more than 30 workers. Currently ALNP has
a total of 62 working forces that comprise of 45 male and 17 female. 73 employees were planned to be
recruited in 2007/2008 budget year out of 82 employs proposed as required at various levels on entire
carrier structure of park office. The park has a warden, one technical team leader, three field biologists
and, one planner, legal officer, one chief, six scout and forty field guards. The administration staff
comprised one administrator, one audit, one finance expert, one casher, one store man and one driver.
Due to remoteness and uncomforted climate the park office is suffer from experts turnover. Among 17
employees in 2007/2008 ten are leaved.

Currently, the park main office has rental two blocks with eight offices and adequate furniture. Its own
two block ground plus one main park office construction sits at Gelegu given to contractor and expected
to be finished in the next 10 months. The park office has one Toyota hardtop pickup car; two computers
and one electric diesel generator. The new main office with ground plus one two block buildings are
now under construction at Gelegu capital of Quara. The park office is guided by close supervision and
follows up from PaDPA regional authority and Quara Woreda administration council. PaDPA is trying
to recruit man power and arranges the necessary budget hopefully at the end of 2008. One expert
returned from Tanzania wildlife one year training and hopefully the available man power can execute
wildlife monitoring and senses, abundance, migratory routs and seasonal viability fluctuation rate
assessment and possible trans-boundary system establishment options.

3.11. INFRASTRUCTURS AND SPATIAL ARRENGMENT

ERVs could be maintained and well managed based on effective services provided by management
effort on respective sites inside and outside the park. Various land features, its biophysical resource,
associated dominant ecosystem component and spatial arrangements categorized as they might suite for
infrastructural development and effective management of the park that helps to improve conservation
and sustainable utilization.

Fig.3.11. Infrastructures Hand dug well Amjalie (Photo Daregot), Post site at Megenagna Central
Alatish.

3.11.1 Multipurpose Sites, Outposts and Spectacular Settings

Currently ALNP is an infant stage in infrastructure facilities and characterized as inaccessible for
facilitated management. However, due to plain lands it also possible to drive with in the park
particularly in dry season with minimum labor cost of leveling. Lists and location of important sites at
different areas of the park designated for suitable service they could render are shown on annexes.
The infrastructure of Alatish includes sites outside the park which cater multipurpose services to the
development of the park. There are 9 nearest villages (Appendix. 1) rendering various services to the
park. Mehadid recently growing village which found north east of the park serves as a main get to the
park. Others indifferent direction of the park providing services and they also utilize the park resources
which depends on proximity to the park. Gerara and Bermel are the most nearest villages and potential
threats for the core area resources of the park and accessible sites for field studies. All villages
coordinate points, dominant feature direction from the core area of the park with services they redder are
listed in Appendix 1.

The other pertinent aspects of infrastructure for improvement of Alatish are post sites which serve for
residence of scouts and field guards. There are 19 proposed post sites that would be developed and
facilitated in progressive management effort. At present only five post site Bambaho (Bayiwa),
Derahasen, Mehadid, Megenagna and Gerara are functional and relatively facilitated. Other three
Bermel, Yelkuk and Amjalie have only hand dug water access. The rest 11 post sites are not established
yet (Appendix 2).

ALNP is endowed with a variety of spectacular sites among which scattered hills that serves for resource
monitoring, scientific study and to look attractions and various faces of the park vividly. Hills are
scattered in different parts of the park and largely used as view/observation points. There are 17 most
spectacular hill and could be used as view points are Das Terara (Amerkuba), Laydinar and Ketf
(Hamitish) in the north; Albid, Bemure, Berenta, Nigela and Abamerafa in the east; Demir, Mulugeta
Terara, and Tsequa in the central; Menta (Amdok), Almeta and Omedila in the west and Balankure,
Abunta and Aybeza in the south. Geographic coordinates of some of them are shown in Appendix 2.
The other potential resources of the park are spectacular sites. These are area peculiar to different habitat
features. These sits are designated as broadly as ecological resources and are traditional water trough,
sites in which specific animals abundantly found, and areas some activities like fishing, cultivation and
deforestation excessively undergoing. Some representative areas are delineated and shown on map and
Appendix 4.

3.11.2 Road Network

Alatish is a vast area. Particularly, in central Alatish due to undifferentiated mixed wooded lands
coupled with floodplain are hard to know the directions for one who have no GPS or not lead by the
known local guides Gumuz people live GPS. Monitoring, research and development works have been
affected haphazardly due to inaccessibility in most cases missing of water points. Construction of roads
and leveling marks for fast communication and inter visibility are urgent that could be implemented
soon.

The problem related to road network addresses not only Alatish but also the whole Quara. The main
road 75 km Shinfa to Gelegeu (capital of Quara) is not completed yet. Few small bridges, main bridge at
Gelegu and about 30 km final finishing of road are not fully completed. The sandy and fragile nature of
the soil and other climatic stress created long delay for about five years. In the course of construction
bridges and water canals have been destroyed by stormy flood after 50 to 80% of finishing. However,
Gelegu is expected to have fully all weather roads in 2008/09.

Considering the internal road of ALNP out of expected 388 km internal park road 238 km of which 91.6
km design and 147 km survey works are competed by high level engineering work costing about 3.7
million Birr. The road designed and surveyed are pertinent in making Alatish accessible for scientific
study, conservation and tourism. At the same time it could serve for fire break and to control poachers.
The designed and surveyed road networks shown (Appendix 3) Road and additional, post site, hand dug
well and pond will be constructed in the next budget year. Estimated quantitative figure that could be
constructed is limited by available water and efficiency of contractor.

In development of park infrastructure construction of campsites, water points and roads consider
facilitation of observation sites, spectacular areas and areas outside the park. Pertinent development
scheme could be constructed or established on multipurpose sites outside the park.

3.12. SIGNIFICANCE OF ALNP

Before legally protected as a national park ALNP was categorized as one of priority forest area of
Ethiopia due to its naturalness and its different biological and physical resources. Later on its significant
in ecological, economical, social and political aspects are magnified and delineated as natural protected
area of IUCN Protected area category two (Naonal Park) protected as conservation area of rare,
endangered and conservation dependant species, ecological services, scientific research and tourism.

ALNP national and international significant arises from its geophysical feature believed to be green
guard to protect east ward expansion of Sahara Desert relatively at slow rate in the western Ethiopia and
east Sudan due to dense green biomass and wettest region. It has a great potential as a trans-boundary
park of Dinder Alatsh.park. It represents Sudan Gunie Biome and found along the transitional Ecoton
between two floristic regions being at the foot hills of North western highlands of Ethiopia and south
east of Semi arid Sahara Sudanian Biome. Alatish is also found along the boundary of two major faunal
realms that is Palearctic and Ethiopian afro alpine regions to south west of Simien Mountain missives.

The vegetation cover of Alatish is undifferentiated Sudanian and Ethiopia woodland type that penetrates
to the Ethiopian highlands (Girma Mengesha, 2005). Alatish is also believed to be a flyway, resting or
breeding .sites of north south migratory bird. With these the protection of the park is global importance
and timely taken measure as it hosts divers biophysical resources and refuges for large number of
migratory birds and protects rare, endangered and conservation dependant species which reside in the
region are paramount inhabitants that provide significant role in ecological and ecotourism services.

Tourism potential of Alatish is largely depends on the rehabilitation, promotion management and
facilitation of infrastructures in which wildlife resources can be abundantly observed in the next few
years. As to Alatish significance in the ecotourism industry besides wildlife and scenic beauty of the
park the presence of multicultural activities of indigenous (Gumus, Amhara and Agew) ethnic groups,
immigrants from highlands of different parts of the region and trans-boundary socioeconomic activities
are sources fascinating attractions heritages which has indispensable potential for tourism expansion.
Their traditional cultures, linguistic composition (Amharic, Gumuz, Agew, Arabic and Datsen) with
their tribal culture of natural resource utilization and exploitation are the most striking social entities of
Alatish and its vicinities Intensive field assessment, construction of infrastructures such as travel routes,
roads, campsites, post sites and observation points are expected to be implemented and adequate funds
are required with committed and extensive field work. Establishment of trans-boundary agreement to
form Dinder- Alatish could be vital to harvest millions of dollar from ecotourism industry for both
countries.

3.13 RESEARCH ISSUES

Field assessment and monitoring is always coupled with the ecological activities. Ecological
components and their status should be assessed and inventories conducted at regular interval and
possibly in unusual occasions. Hence, for field assessment and ecological studies the following
researchable issues should be addressed.
- Investigation of major reproduction feeding and migratory pattern of higher animals
- Seasonal variation and impact of ecological habitats on animals particularly higher herbivores
and carnivores referring particular species
- Identification of animals more sensitive to migration particularly Alatish to Dinder and vice
versa and seasonal pattern of movement
- Interconnections of people and wildlife in social and economic interdependence
- Assessment of different groups of wild animals food chain relationship and habitats competition
and variation in season and ecosystems.
- Assessment and investigation of possible communication and collaborative schemes
development with Dinder national park
- Investigation ecological units that can be used by local communities and ways for possible
rehabilitation and collaborative responsibilities
- Verification of spectacular ecological units for scientific research, tourism and other
indispensable options that magnifies their ecological and naturalness through optimum utilization
- Identification of medicinal, food and economic resource wildlife species and their apparent and
potential role for their respective significance


CHAPTER FOUR

IV. VEGETATION STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK



Fig.4.1 Riverine (above) and wooded land (below) vegetation of ALNP



4.1. VEGETATION OF ALNP

In field assessment five representative areas were selected to identify the vegetation structure of Alatish.
The dominant flora, soil, topography and major threats are identified in different areas of the park
where:
- Amejalie Alga riverine, grass dominated wooded flatlands and seasonal floodplain
- Bermel Dinnar shrub and scrub sandy and rocky hills vegetation
- Mehadid Gerara multifaceted and clay soil dominated agricultural lands with high canopy trees
- Mehadid Demir through Megenagna mixed wooded trees and riverine with sandy, sandy loam
and clay soils
- Bambaho to Abamerafa Escarpments dominated by shrub and scrub vegetation and bamboo
forst

4.1.1 Amejalie Alga Flatlands

The field monitoring expedition started in the north tip of the park around Amejalie to Alga extending
from 11 km west of Marwuha kebele center to around beckon 18 to 20. The vegetation cover is
dominated by grasses and scattered mixed trees around Amejalie to Alega low laying flatlands trees of
Acacia spp. Terminalia spp. Blanites aegyptiaca. A group of animal warthog, Orbi, Patas moneky,
Boher, Ostrich, lion, python, and baboons are commonly found. Gelegu River is distributed in various
part of the area. The mosaic nature of plant habitats indicate existence of various plant species and
vegetation feature one followed by other with a short distance.

The topography of the area is flat with a similar landform dominated by alluvial soil generated from
extensive flood from the north eastern highlands of the park. The major threats on the vegetation of this
area are entrance of Fellata nomads from Sudan in October and stay the whole dry season, the vegetation
of the area (Amejale to Alga) has been subjected overgrazing, thereby, many of plant species and
habitats of wild animals are being devastated. Particularly, around Amjale nomads used it as entrances
in October and return back in June. In the same way nomads enter to Alatish through Beshangule
Gumuze around Hyminishmesh and Omedila. Vegetation around Amejalie has been suffered from
deforestation and expansion of arable lands due to population pressure through settlement. The worst
expansion of deforestation has been moving towards the core zone of the park intruding following
drained fertile land plots and hidden patches particularly in between beckon 19 and 20. At the buffer
zone one plot about 5 hectors inside the core area of the park were deforested and cultivated. But these
activities are more or less decreased and in core area and stopped. This is the significant effort of
participatory role and accountability of local communities with park scouts.


Fig. 4.2. Flatlands Vegetation of Alatish (Amejalie)

They have also a strong desire to expel Fellata nomads before they enter to ensure conservation and
proper utilization of the park resources. Similarly, the park office and Woreda administration are ready
to carry out collaborative management for which this assessment prepares strives to bring data for
management plan.

4.1.2 Dass (Amerakuba) Laydinnar Shrub and Scrubland

The other area assessed next to Amejalie is Bermel, Amerakuba to Dinner range of shrub and scrub
areas. The area is highly dominated with thorny shrubs mixed with scattered tree species. The
topographic feature is rough and dominated by rocks and sandy soils with rock cliffs at the top of Dass
terara (Amrakuba) and Laydinnar hills. As it is very near to Bermel village buffer zone vegetation of this
area is extensively used through deforestation and grazing. The village lies at the buffer zone 1.5km
from the core area boarder (Becon 9) and a potential growth of Bermel village is further threat to the
vegetation of the park.


Fig 4.3. Bermel village from Dass Terara (Amerakuba) and Top of laydinnar.

Cultivation in this range is minimal as it is dominated by sandy soils and rocky hills. However, selective
cutting of trees and excessive collection of bamboo are serious threat for biological resources of the
park. The flat top of Dass Terara (Amerakuba) hill with an ample number of huge Boswellia trees shows
the flat endless meadow of all direction of Alatish including boarder villages, other hills, rivers, seasonal
wetlands, and landscapes. It is the one of the most important view points of Alatish.

4.1.3 Mehadid Gerara Multifaceted Vegetation

To the east of Dass Terara (Amerakuba)-Laydinnar scrub land range the flat laying with multifaceted
area could be observed cultivated lands, scattered villages, streams and deforested lands are the common
feature of this area Mehadid Gerara plain. This area is critically threatened with wide range of
intervention.


Fig. 4.4. Cultivated and deforested area in west of Mehadid and Gerara

The park buffer zone from beacon four to eight which was dominated by huge mixed trees interrupted
by valleys and mixed wooded grasslands now changed in to farmlands lands and about 14 ha cultivated
inside the core area. The deep clay and sandy loam soil attracted the local people to cultivate the land
coupled with the population pressure largely incurred by additional new comers from the other parts of
the region. Fast growth of Mehadid and Gerara villages could be further potential threat unless timely
measure is taken. The area (Mehadid) is also the main get to the park and the pressure is further increase
and for which development activities are relatively facilitated. Labor, rental camel, donkeys and local
guides are hired in this area.

4.1.4 Bayiwa Derahasen Abamerafa Escarpment

This area is the eastern part, wide range of the park escarpment dominated by shrub and scrub land
interrupted by wooded bamboo forest and permanent streams. Bayiwa Derahasen Abamerafa
escarpment range boarders the park with Bambahoo and Gelegu kebeles and their several villages
Bayiwa, Bambaho, Bemur, Workit and Derahasen. The area is unique in its landscape and vegetation
cover from vast plain lands of Alatish and similar within vegetation and landscape with scattered hills
and sandy rocky low laying escarpments in other parts of the park. It is delineated as shrub and scrub
ecosystem. Densely populated mixed shrubs and scattered patches of huge trees and grasses are the
main source of grazing and collection of bamboo and other trees for construction and sale. One bamboo
plant costs one Birr at the site and double when increases 5 to 6 km distance away from the site. A
donkey can carry 120 dried bamboos. This ecosystem with similar vegetation cover extends to the south
along with Ayima River and flattened rocky areas in various parts of the park.

Fig.4.5 Berenta to Abumerafa Eastern intact scrub lands with associated lowlands.

4.1.5 Riverine, Mixed wooded, Wooded Grassland and Plain Meadow

This vegetation area comprises the flat plain and main riverine broad river bed with golden sandy course
of Alatish. In central parts, the south west, western and extends to northern plain areas of the park. It is
dominated by undifferentiated Terminalia, Acacia and Combretum trees species mixed with various
shrubs, small trees, tall grasses and dense ground cover herbs. Avarity of food and medicinal plats are
extensively grown. The flat plain vast meadow interrupted with valleys and huge rocks used for shelter
and water sources for wild animals. This area is exclusively used by Fellata nomads.

Fig..4.6 Mixed wooded and plain meadow of Alatish with scattered hills

All vegetation and natural habitats of wild animals has been fragmented in dry season as area is
occupied by nearly millions of domestic stocks of Fellata. Most of animals has been hunted and others
run away to near by Sudanis Dinder National Park. The vegetation of this zone highly adapted with self
recovery mechanisms herbs, grasses, shrubs and small trees self regenerating in wet season when
Felattas are moving out from Alatish and large trees remaining as deciduous and facing as dried
stretched branches in dry season. The scattered seasonal wetlands remain grassy and marsh in wet
season used as grazing source characterized by early re-growing with cloudy moisture after a dry season.
Most part of this vegetation zone dominated by deep black soil interrupted by red sandy mixture with
shallow fertile lands. Wet season extensive floods replaced with scanty of water in dry season are the
natural face of the area which magnifies unfavorable for agricultural activities.

4.2. CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETATION

The natural ecosystems of Ethiopia are classified based on vegetation because vegetation clarification of
Ethiopia is synonymous with ecosystems (IBC, 2005). Based on the characteristic of Ethiopian
ecosystem vegetation of Alatish is categorized largely in Combretum-Terminalia Ecosystem This
ecosystem is characterized by Cmbretum spp., Terminalia spp., Oxytenanthera abyssinica, Boswellia
papyrifera, Anogeissus lieocarpa, Sterospermem kuntianum, Pterocarpus lucens, Lonchocarpus
laxiflorus, Lannea spp. Albizia malacophylla and Enatada africana. These are small to luxuriant trees
depending on the soil and topography with fairly large deciduous leaves, which often occur with the
lowland bamboo- Oxytenanthera abyssinica and other tree spices forming multilayer. The understory is
a combination of herbs and grasses. The herbs include Justecia spp., Barleria spp., Eulophia,
chlorophytum, Hossolunda opposita and Ledeburia spp. The grasses include Cymbopogon,
Hyparrhenia, Echinochla, Sorghum, Pennisetum, etc. Usually the herbs dominate the ground layer at the
beginning of the rainy season while grasses dominate toward the end of the rainy season and stay in
complementary bases until the hot dry season prevalent. In which all deciduous and herb plants looses
its green part staying as seed or developing mechanism adaptable to the extreme climates in both cases.

Partly, the vegetation of the park is characterized by open grasslands and thorny plant specie that could
be categorized in the Acacia-Commiphora ecosystem. However, it is known for its varying soils,
topography, and diverse biotic and ecological elements. These plant species are with either small
deciduous leaves or leathery persistent ones. The density of trees varies from high, in which they form
a closed canopy to scattered individuals to none at all forming open grasslands UNESECO/ WWRP
(2004). To address in management and maintenance program ecosystem classification of Alatish comes
in to an effect having its own combined ecosystems in to three groups with several coo exiting
components and habitats. Hence vegetation management is largely addressed by ecosystem management
approach.

Based on White, 1983; and Webala et al 2004 Girma Mengesha, 2005 classified vegetation of Alatish in
to four (1) Riverine Woodland, (2) Wooded Grassland 10-40% woody plant cover, (3) Wooded the
woody plant cover greater than 40% and (4) Bamboo Woodland as the areas dominated by lowland
bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica). Moreover, in this assessment seasonal wetlands vegetation
classified as (5) Open Grassland and on scrub and hilly areas dominant vegetation as (6) Shrubs and
Short Trees vegetations are identified. Six distinct vegetation categories, largely, spatially distributed in
three ecosystems of Alatish identified as RSWE, SSE and MWGE. Riverine and open wetland
grasslands are in RSWE, Wooded, Wooded Grassland and Bamboo forest are in MWGE and Shrub and
Short tree vegetation in SSE.

The floristic composition of Alatish has the more striking and fascinating feature and divers
multilayered self regulating through fast growth after the long dry season devastation by fire and
nomads taping for overgrazing. In this rapid field assessment 130 species plants with different habit 84
tree and shrub, 29 herbs of food and medicinal plants and 17 grass species in their habitats such as
wooded land, grasslands, seasonal wetland, riverine, scrub, sandy, rocky and hilly areas of sampled
study sites. The lists of each plant species with vernacular name and use listed in the Appendix 1.

4.3 VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION AND THREATS

The distribution of vegetation layer and plant species influenced by combined effects of rain fall, soil
texture and color, and topography (Smith 1949). The vegetation of Alatish generally distributed in
riverine, seasonal wetland, multilayered undifferentiated composition wooded lands and scrub intact
vegetation patches.

Over all vegetation of Alatish is characterized by undifferentiated woody plain with distinct faces in dry
and wet season. Alatish exhibits dens and fast growing self rehabilitating vegetation strata that ranges
from multilayered luxurious plant in RSWE to open shrubs and outcropped surfaced scattered trees in
SSE. The common higher canopy species in Alatish include Terminalia laxiflora, Combrretum spp.
Pterocarpus lucens, Ficus spp. Acacia spp. composed with 2-3m high annual grasses such as Sorghum
versicolor. Understory and ground cover vegetation destroy by fire in dry season. Majority of canopy
tree species about 95% are deciduous in different time. Most of them shed ether leaves before December
while Blanites aegyptiaca leaves remain unshed and Z. spine christi in February while some regenerate
in March and the actual time of re-establishment is in May. The size and densities of vegetation cover
follows the characteristics of soil (Tadesse Abtamu, 2005).

The most frequent large trees in riverine vegetation habitats which was formerly abundant but now
diminished are Diospyros mespliformis (Serkin), Tamarindus indica (Kumer), Ficus glumosa (Warka),
Ficus sycomorus (Bamba), Acacia sieberana and in scrub and rocky habitats and Adina micncephala
(Girma Mengesha, 2005).

Felatta nomadic pastoralists have also been attracted to the area where they continued to remain during
the dry season to tap the available luxuriant vegetation in wet season for grazing. Through this hey cause
habitats fragmentation and deterioration of the natural face and unviable number of higher fauna in all
ecosystems. The indigenous communities of Agew, Amhara and Gumuz use vegetation only for hunting,
forest by product such as honey and beehive construction material collection. More extensively they
collect bamboo plant particularly from near by buffer zone of the park mainly around Bambahoo,
Bemure, Workit, Derahasen, Abamerafa, Mehadid, Gerara, Bermel and Mosabadema villagers are
collecting bamboo even beyond the buffer zone around Gerara and Bermel. Besides bamboo plant
collection cultivation of land is widely practiced. Most of farmers cultivating buffer zone are illegal.
Pressure through deforestation and cultivation by farmers is highly destructive as they are illegal they
move and hide in fertile patch of land that can be breeding and feeding sites of animals. Particularly the
hidden devastation of vegetation for cultivation on vantage points of carnivores around Tahisas in
Bambaho, Sholawuha and Negela Afaf could create a serious human/domestic stock wildlife conflict in
the next few years.

To the side of villages recently populated due to settlement particularly in Bambaho, Mehadid, Gerara,
Bermel and Mossa badema between beacon 19 and 20 extensive area of land is deforested. In the north
tip of the park the newly established community park council deterred expansion of deforestation in the
buffer zone around Amejali. Park scouts and community are participating in park management which
could be vital for conservation of natural sparse vegetation of the park.

4.4 VEGETATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND SOIL

Canopy tree vegetation density and understory pattern follows the characteristics of soil. In deep black
soil near to riverine trees are relatively huge and dominant heights that can persist till the middle of drier
period (Taddess Habtamu, 2005). The vegetation cover and luxuriant growth increases from hilly, scrub,
wooded, flat plain to riverine in one way and from western flood plan to both sides of Alatish and
Ayima rivers in other way. Ecosystems of Alatish basically classified based on soil and vegetation there
by ecosystem process and vegetation cover determined. The dominant soil types according to Dasmann,
1972 described the tips of soil in DNP which is in similar area and adjacent to Alatish in two types:
Vertisols the most extensive and comprises the lower and flood plain areas of lower Alatish, extensive
western part and some eastern patches of low laying dense forest areas, and Entisols dominated by sandy
and sandy loam mainly found in the foothills of eastern escarpments and on and around scattered hills in
south, west and central north of Alatish with low density and height in vegetation cover.

ALNP is covered with different soil color and shallow partially decomposed parent material physically
grouped sandy and sandy loam soil dominated eastern and drained part of central, southern and south
west part of the park. Second Graveled sandy soil dominantly occur as Entisol in the foot of scattered
hills in different part of the park, eastern scrub and shrub lands around Bambahoo to Berenta Afaf to
west of Derahasen, central to south and south western graveled flatlands interrupted by streams and
rocky hills. The third type is vertisol which is characterized by self ploughing or black cotton soil
extensively covered central to north and west of Demir that extends to north along ketef (Hamitish) hill
to the direction of Amijalie and along Alatish Dinder international boarder .

4.5 USE OF VEGETATION

The use of vegetation of Alatish largely described in significant of ALNP. Moreover, there are many
ways can be described as the benefit of vegetation of Alatish more specifically. It largely serves
according to local community personal communication about 99% Nomadic pastoralists from Sudan
Felatta taping for water, hunting, deforestation and grazing reasons. Only 1% Ethiopian ethnic groups
use Alatish Agews, Amara and Gumuz are using indicated percentage in decreasing order. The three
indigenous ethnic groups and extensively used on buffer zone particularly vegetation for forest honey,
bamboo, wood and wood products in some areas cultivation and deforestation. However, different plant
species of Alatish serves as food, herbal medicine, spices and plants and their products for sale like
Frankincense, Wayika, Kedekede different leaf and fruits besides animal live sale and products illegally.
The figurative value and extent of livelihood support with this illegal trade is not studied.
The mosaic nature and undifferentiated plant in specific habitats are over riding characteristics in the
heterogeneity of its communities. This diversity and undifferentiated flat plain interrupted by rocky hills
the six habitats of vegetation group easily seen. Three habitats and diversity of plant community and
topographic setup impact and respective change in vegetation structure are described in Appendices.

Table.4.1. Vegetation classification and principal ecosystem
No Vegetation
category
Princi
pal
Ecosy
stem
Sub category Characteristics of vegetation
1 Riverine
Woodland
RSW
E
Tree cover with relatively
open canopy
Covered with scattered tall canopy trees with
huge branches low ground cover
Multilayered understory and
climbers
Dense, broad canopy and mixed plants
species closed under vegetation
Luxuriant one or two trees
annual grasses and dense
herbs
Tall grasses, herbs, leafy ground cover open
canopy scatter tall tree
2 Wooded
Grassland
MWG
E
Scattered deciduous tree with
grass ground cover
Open short grasses and one or two tree
species
Semi deciduous thorn trees
with grassy ground
Thorn semi deciduous single species tree
dominated short ground vegetation
3 Wooded MWG
E
Semi deciduas wood tree
dominated
Single semi deciduous wooded low ground
vegetation sandy soil
Semi deciduas thorn tree
dominated
Semi deciduous mixed thorn tree low ground
vegetation rocky hills
4 Bamboo
Woodland
MWG
E
Deciduous Wood dominated
bamboo
Scattered large trees with dense and long
bamboo vegetation
Grassland dominated
Bamboo
Open bamboo forest mixed with medium to
short grasslands
Bamboo dominated wood
and grasslands
Bamboo, wooded and dense mixed nearly
proportional
Bamboo dominated
scrublands
Tall batched bamboo interrupted by huge
flatted stone or rocky hills
5 Open
Grassland
RSW
E
Open Grassy seasonal
wetlands
Tall grassy open none woody seasonal wet
season pond and muddy in dry season.
Flooded plain grass
dominated
Mixed trees and grassy dominated wetland
and dense vegetation.
Thorn semi deciduous grass
dominated
Thorn semi deciduous one or two species
dominated open deep clay soil dominated
6 Shrubs and
Short Trees
SSE Intact undifferentiated rough
surfaced soil shrub
vegetation
Mixed with similar height short trees or
shrubs and fractured metamorphic sandy and
graveled
Flat stony and scattered small
trees
Open none stony sandy and grass with
scattered small trees
Deciduous thorny shrubs and
scattered trees
Thorn and deciduous none grassy dense
vegetation with and thorny shrubs



CHAPTER FIVE

V. ZOOLOGICAL STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK


Fig. 5.1 Lion foot print and baboons on Alatish river bed.




5.1 WHY WE NEED TO CONSERVE WILDLIFE?

Because of human activities the rate of loss of biodiversity is increasing. Especially since the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many parts of the world experienced wildlife declines owing to
overexploitation. Biologists argued that much of the wildlife is declined, because of the economic,
medical, aesthetic, recreational, scientific, and ecological value of all species.

Scientific and Ecological Importance

Every species has scientific values because each can help scientists to understand how life has evolved
and functions, and how it will continue to evolve on this planet. Some wildlife species also involve in
recycling nutrients essential to the ecosystem and become very useful in maintaining soil fertility.
Moreover, they control potential crop pests and disease carriers, and makeup a vast gene pool for future
evolutionary processes.

Economic and Medical Importance

It is obvious that many animal species are used as a source of food and become economically very
important. They are also used as medical importance since they are used as an experimental animal to
test drugs, vaccines, chemical toxicity, and surgical procedures, and in studies of human health and
disease. Under intense pressure from animal rights groups, scientists are trying to find testing methods
that minimize animal suffering or, better yet, do not use animals at all. However, they warn that
alterative techniques cannot replace all animal research.

Fig.5.2 Forest Honey and Edible leaf of Albrish

Aesthetic and Recreational Importance

People love life, a phenomenon called biophilia. It is easy to find evidence of our aesthetic, spiritual,
and emotional affinity for other species. Wild animals are a source of beauty, wonder, joy and
recreational pleasure for many people. Wildlife tourism (ecotourism) generates some amount of dollars
in revenues each year in Ethiopia. However the wildlife tourism in Ethiopia is at its infant stage as
compared to other African countries like Kenya and Tanzania Therefore they are very important to us in
many ways and it is better to protect and wisely utilise such invaluable biological resources.

Fig. 5.3.Alatish a Home of Nocturnal

Bioethics and Wild species

To some people each wild species has an inherent right to exist-or to struggle to exist. According to this
view, it is wrong for us to hasten the extinction of any species and we have an ethical responsibility to
protect species from becoming extinct as a result of human activities. Some proponents go further and
assert that each individual organism, not just each species, has a right to survive without human
interference, just as each human being has the right to survive. Many conservationists believe that every
species has intrinsic value. Meaning its value is independent of its usefulness to people and to other
species or within an ecosystem. Therefore, every species has its own value without reference to anything
but for its own existence. Even though the idea of having without reference to humans is hard to accept
it does appeal to many conservationists.

Fig.5.4. Kudra palatable herb as a source of Food and feed






5.2. MAJOR CAUSES OF WILDLIFE LOSS

Extinction usually refers to the disappearance of a species from the earth. When a species disappears
from a small area this is called a local extinction. Although conservation biologists are most concerned
about global extinction, smaller scale extinctions are also of some concern because they foreshadow
extinctions on a larger scale. The risk of extinction at different spatial scales is a key consideration when
deciding which endangered species are high priorities. The larger the scale at which an extinction is
likely to occur the more important it is to try to prevent it.

There are two root causes of population reduction and extinction of wildlife. These are human
population growth, and economic systems and policies that fail to value the environment and its
ecological service. In developing countries, the combination of rapid population growth and poverty
push the poor to cut forests, grow crops on marginal land, overgraze grasslands, deplete wildlife
species, and kill endangered animals for their valuable furs, tusks, or other parts in order to survive. The
combination of such underlying causes lead to other direct causes of the endangerment and extinction of
wild species including habitat loss and degradation, habitat fragmentation, commercial hunting and
poaching, predator and pest control, sale of exotic pets, climate change and pollution as well as
deliberate or accidental introduction of non-native species into the ecosystem

The greatest threat to most wild species is reduction of habitats as we increasingly occupy or degrade
more of the planet earth. Tropical deforestation is the greatest eliminator of species, followed by
destruction of coral reefs and wetlands, ploughing of grasslands, and pollution of freshwater and marine
habitats. Many "homeless species become extinct because they cant migrate to new areas or change
their feeding habits or other behavior to get the food, water, cover, and space they need to survive.

In addition to habitat loss, an increasing amount of the planets remaining wildlife habitat is being
fragmented into vulnerable patches by roads, fences, fields, towns and variety of other human activities.
Habitat surrounded by such different practices becomes a habitat island for most of the species. Most
national parks and other protected areas are habitat islands since many of them are surrounded by
potentially damaging logging, mining energy extraction, and industrial activities. Freshwater lakes are
also habitat islands that are especially vulnerable when non-native species are introduced. Island species,
many of them found nowhere else on earth, are especially vulnerable to extinction and most have no
other place to go.

The main problems caused by habitat fragmentation are a decrease in the sustainable population size for
many wild species and an increased surface area (edge) which makes many species vulnerable to
predators. Some species are more vulnerable than others to premature extinction because of low
productivity, specialized feeding habits, large size and limited or specialized nesting or breeding areas.
Humans have become a primary factor to the premature extinction of more and more species of wild
life. Protecting biodiversity and managing of wildlife in their natural habitat by using treaties and laws
are some of the strategies used for protecting wildlife from their extinction. It is therefore, wrong for us
to hasten the extinction of any species and we have an ethical responsibility to protect species from
becoming extinct as a result of our own activities.





5.3 ZOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF ALNP

Alatish National park is the newly established park within the Amhara National Regional State. The
total area of the park is 266570 hectare of land in which the majority (95%) of the area is flat plains.
There are semi mountainous (hilly area) at different intervals namely Amrakuba, Dinar, Hamtish,
Amdok, Almetani, Aybeza, Mulugeta terara and etc which are used as a vantage point for visitors and
researchers.

Since the park is located at extreme border of the region and the country too, most of its areas are
bounded with Benshangul-Gumuz National Regional State in the south along AyIma River and Dinder
National Park of Sudan in the west. The park is an semi arid ecosystem with significant faunal diversity
many of which are threatened and endangered species. It is used as a refuge for many bird species most
of them may be migratory to and from the near by Dinder National park of Sudan. A study conducted by
Girma Mengesha (2005) revealed that there are twenty species of large mammals and one hundred
species of birds. The park is also harbour small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. According to
Tadesse Habtamu (2005) twenty nine species of small mammals were identified in the park of which
twenty six species are rodents and the rest are insectivores.
Sample Sites for Study

For effective accomplishment of the assessment within the allotted time the team made discussions with
the Park Administratives and experts about the survey and we agreed that it is better to select sites that
might be used as sample area to collect the required data about the park, Alatish. As a result of detailed
discussion and from the expertise pervious knowledge about the area, five sites were selected to carryout
thorough rapid assessment. These sites were Amijale for the northern part, Bermil, Amrakuba and Dinar
for the north eastern part, Mehadid Megenagna and Alatish River for the central part, Nijela for the
eastern part, and Ayma River and Gelegu for the southern and south eastern part of the park. But we did
not see Nijela due to some inconveniences caused by weather.

Since we crossed from outside into the park from different directions (such as from Mossa Badema into
Amijale, from Bermil into Amrakuba and Dinar, from Mehadid into Megenagna and Alatish River, and
from Gelegu into Ayma River) it was fortunate to assess the buffer zones of the park and we can identify
major threats caused due to encroachment, habitat destruction, and deforestation of the area.

Once sample sites were identified, field observation of wildlife and discussions with different focal
persons were conducted for about twelve days to collect information on species seen, diversity,
distribution, relative abundance, habitat preferences, population status as well as major threats. Here
direct observation using binocular, cameras (both photo and video) were used to collect additional
information about wildlife and their habitat in the park.

Since the park is with large area (266570 hectare) and some wildlife species are naturally shy and
cryptic, it was difficult to get most species by simple observations. However, in every site that we
surveyed it was not difficult to know the presence of different wildlife species using indirect evidences.
Indices such as droppings, pugmarks/ hoof marks, sounds/calls, tracks, feeding signs, furs, feathers,
carcasses, and burrows/dens were frequently observed. Since we were accompanied by three well
experienced local guides, identification of the species in the area using these indirect evidences was
easily performed.

In order to collect adequate information about wildlife in the study area, semi structured interview and
focal group discussion was conducted with different individuals to mention some Quara Woreda
Administrative head, Quara Woreda Agriculture and Rural Development expert, Alatish park
Admistrator, the park unit leader, three experienced park scouts, and five local people who are native
residents.Therfore, more data were collected from interview and discussion. Bird field guide (Collins,
1995) and field guide to larger mammals of Africa (Tilde & Stuart C., 2000) were also used for
identification of species observed as well as the experts previous observation of different species in the
area.

Fig.5.5. Alatish a home of Unknown rodents and Variety of birds

Based on these different information; wildlife diversity, relative abundance, distribution, habitat
preference, and potential threats of the ecosystem were verified. Information about animal migration,
season of migration, reasons for migration, resting site (especially for birds), values of the wildlife for
the local people, threats of animals in the area were identified.

5.4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.4.1 RESULTS

The rapid assessment was initially started in the northern part of the park commonly named as Amijale.
Here different bird species such as Rose ringed parakeet (Psittaculakrameri), White Faced Scops Owl
(Otusleucotis), Verrauxs Eagle Owl (Bubo lacteus), Carmine Bee Eater (Merops nubicus), Hoopoe
(Upupa epops) were commonly observed. Observation was continued in Amijale and the team decided
to stay overnight here and camp sited at 1.03 km south of Amijale. In the evening different animals and
their signs such as five Warthogs, more than ten Pattas monkeys, Ground squireel, two Oribi, Francolin,
and foot marks of Ostrich were observed. Sounds of lion were also heard during the night time.

The next day early in the morning a single Bohor reedbuck was observed while running in the park at
the north eastern boarder (coordinate: 36p 0785931E, 1382122N; UTM altitude 529m). The team further
moved towards the northern part and reached the wet land area (commonly known as Sambri and
different bird species were observed and their melodious calls were also heard. This area is also rich in
its fish diversity and fluently visited by Sudanese fishery men during the wet season to harvest excess
biomass of fish (pers.comm).

After crossing another wet land the team moved to the northern part (coordinate: 36p 0784822 E and
1383958N; altitude 531m) as a final destination. Here one python was seen by the scout closer to the
river called Gelegu, a river bordering the extreme northern part of the park. Interview with the scouts
told that two lions were observed in this area in the months of Tir and Ginbot, 2000 E.C. and they also
observed six elephants in the first of Tahisas, 2000 E.C. This indicates that this part of the park is a
dominant home range for larger mammals. Therefore enough buffer zone should be protected between
the area occupied by investors and the river Gelegu as much as possible.


Fig. 5.6. Egyptian cobra (Naja naja)a king of Alatish

On return from north to the comb site we observed different species of birds (though it is not easily
identified due to shortage of time), a dung of porcupine with its protective quills was observed and from
its pug/hoof marks up to ten individuals were expected. In addition to this a young freshly killed
warthog carcass was observed at the same site (coordinate: 36p 0784974 E and 1382987 N; altitude:
520m). Here we also observed lion pugmarks to ensure that the warthog was killed and eaten by this
predator.

Rapid assessment from the second site (Bermil- Amrakuba Dinar) confirmed the presence of up to 100
baboons. Pug/hoof marks of porcupine, Pug/hoof marks of warthog, and hoof marks of duiker and
greater kudu were observed and identified by local experts. Observation was held at northern part of
Amrakuba (coordinate: 36p 0793873 E and 1372694 N; altitude: 719m) and here no more species of
larger mammals or their marks/droppings were observed. But it is common to observe different bird
species and reptiles particularly lizards. While crossing Amrakuba from its northern escarpment to the
southern part, droppings of porcupines were seen and this indicated that this animal is widely distributed
at the different parts of the park. The southern tip of Amrakuba (coordinate: 36p0794384 E and 1371757
N; altitude: 750m) also showed the same result with its northern escarpment regardless of the
availabilities of more space and vegetation cover.

Fig. 5.7. Warthog a main feed source of Lion and Trees a home of a variety of birds

Survey conducted from Bermile (campsite) to Dinar (coordinate: 36p0791465E and 1370080N; altitude:
7680m) gave the opportunity to observe two duikers, more than 10 Guinea fowels wildcat, and different
types of reptiles which were running within the rocky substratum. At the bottom of the Dinar
escarpment, hoof marks of Greater kudu were observed and this is their habitat preference since four
individuals of this species had been frequently observed by scouts.

Observation of wildlife in the third site (Mehadid into Megenagna and Alatish River) revealed the
presence of different patches of habitats including valleys such as Bermil sheleko, gorgey areas (locally
known as porcupine gorge), hills, and streams (Agazen minchi). Information from scouts confirmed that
in this area different wildlife species such as Bushbuck, Greater Kudu, Duicker, and Orbi are commonly
found. When a survey team moved towards the centre of Megenagna (coordinate: 36p0792820 E and
1356403 N; altitude: 598m) a lot of quills, pug/hoof marks, and broken tooth of porcupine were
observed. Egyptian Cobra and turtle were also observed when we moved further to the river Alatish
(coordinate: 36p0788959 E, and 1349494 N; altitude: 558m). Closer to the Alatish River a lot of
pugmarks and hoof marks were observed which might be an indication for carnivore-herbivore
interactions.

On the other side of the river there is a wet land (sambrin) with its unique vegetations. The area is
dominated by a plant locally known as pepe(yekest enchet) and Selselo (small plant in which its
leaves are edible). A number of bird nests were observed on the acacia plant around the wet land.

Fig.5.8 Grivet monkeys and traditional Beehives (Photo Heckel et al 2007)

Finally assessment of wildlife was conducted on the south-eastern part of the park starting from Gelgu to
Ayma River (coordinate: 36p0810467 E; and 1331513N; altitude: 650m). There was no direct
observation of large mammals in this part and this was probably because we used the vehicle to reach
Ayma and wildlife species might be escaped from the area before our arrival, i.e. due to sound
disturbance. However, in this area too, we observed a number of bird species. Based on the results of
interview, focal group discussion and using guides of birds and mammals the lists of avian species and
mammalian species observed and most likely found in the park are provided in the appendices section.
Unfortunately amphibians were not frequently observed though their abundance is remarkable in outside
vicinities like in Gelegu.

In this rapid assessment and former studies Alatish is found a vast natural habitat and home of various
type of wild animal. 37 mammalian species of which 8 area not recently (last 15 years) seen, 204 bird
species of 143s diversity and abundance is studied, 23 species of rodents and 6 species of insectivores
and 7 types of reptiles and amphibians with various species are found (Appendix A-E). In studies
conducted by Tadesse Habtamu, 2005 some species like rodents Myomys albipes and Desmomys
harringtoni endemic in highland forests of Ethiopia are found in Alatish, species C. flovescens, C.turba
and C. fumosa which are not recorded below 1500masl are also abundant in Alatish. Three shrew
species are also newly described in Alatish which indicates the richness. Huge vegetation biomass, large
number of herbivores and rodents are a prey base for other higher mammals especially carnivores
including human for effective conservation interest.

5.4.2. DISCUSSION

Different parts of Alatish National Park were observed to assess wildlife and we know that the park has
different faunal groups. More species of birds were observed and identified by the help of local experts
using bird guides. Since the area is large and predominantly characterized by flat plains, it was not
simple to observe large mammals as what we expected. However, using various types of indirect
evidences and interviewing with scouts and the local people it is possible to collect enough information
about the availability of different groups of large mammals. Though we were not fortunate to see lions
for example, we heard its sound. Peasants who cultivate the nearby land were also asked about the
presence or absence of lions in the park, and they replied that it is common for them to see this animal.

Discussions with the local people and scouts confirmed that the number of species seen in the park is
gradually declining. They also said that previously it was not difficult to see black Rhinos, Giraffe,
Buffalo, Roan Antelope and even the rare Hartebeest Tora. However, currently it is very difficult to
observe these species. This might be caused due to habitat disturbance principally by nomadic Felatas
and Sudanese Arabs. These nomads use the park for grazing their livestock and it is expected that more
than 600 Falatas with more than 300,000 cattle, 180,000 shoats, 800 camels, and 1200 domestic donkeys
live in the park (Pers. comm.). Therefore it isnt difficult to anticipate the disturbance and chaos caused
on the park by this people and their domestic livestock. There is also great competition for limited
resources between their domestic livestock and wildlife with in the park. It is also possible to predict the
loss of wildlife as a result of poaching and their movement to the safe places out side the park where
disturbance is not as such harsh most likely to the near by Dinder National Park of Sudan.

Further discussions with scouts also revealed that the Felata people are not only using the park for their
domestic grazing but also for exporting its resources to the markets of Sudan. They collect fruits from
different plants such as Lalo for export, leaves for their cattle feed; they killed different animals for
various uses. For example they kill lion since it is potential predators for their live stock, elephant for its
ivory sold in Sudan, leopard and python for their skin and etc.

Fig5..9. A typical indicators of water shortage in dry season

They also destruct the whole ecosystem by fire to clear larger and dry grasses and to get fresh feed for
their domestic animals. Since fire at its unmanageable level is destructive to the ecosystem so that
habitats of wild life is highly destructed, their breeding site is highly affected, nests of birds is
completely damaged, other lower animals particularly slow moving animals and reptiles are highly
affected by fire and the rest may escape from their area. Therefore it is very difficult to conserve
wildlife of the park without maintaining the ecosystem at large. This idea is also supported by modern
conservation biologists and they stated that species cannot be considered in a vacuum, and that their
relation with the total biotic and physical environment must be considered (Cox, G.W. 1997).

Fig 5.10 Bohor (Reedbuck) and Traditional water hole and trough on the riverbed of Alatish
(Photo Heckel et al 2007)

Regardless of the continual disturbance caused by non Ethiopian Falatas, the park with its remaining
wildlife and other resources provides pivotal values to the local residents. Besides being as a green
guard to control the expansion of dessert from the northern part, it has numerous resources, both living
and nonliving that are used for different purposes. The local people use the park for collection of honey
either directly from the park or using hives. As the interview result indicated that especially the Gumuz
people use the wildlife products for various purposes. They use different animals for food and for
medicine therefore some times they killed animals illegally. For example they killed porcupine since
they believed that it is used as a traditional medicine for headache, stomach ache; skin of elephants for
herpes (Shererit); warthogs meat for arthritis, and for malaria; Diukers urine for sexually transmitted
diseases; hyenas meat for pancreases infection; pythons fat for scratch (Yahiya Kusel) and etc. The
different products from the wildlife are also illegally exported to Sudan for the same purposes and to
minimize the loss of wildlife as a result of illegal hunting it is better to create awareness to the local
people.

Traditional value of wildlife and their products are also practiced by Agew people. For example they
killed and put the bird Red -billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) in their house to keep cattle and
hive. People also usually use Ostrichs egg for decoration and its meat for various purposes. The
delicious meat from Guinea fowl and francolin are commonly used by many people to satisfy their
protein demand.

Fig 5.11. Among widely distributed species in Alatish

Different animals especially the melodious sounds of birds provide aesthetic value to the area and used
to relax people from their stress. Some birds are used as a guide to specific directions to the area where
honey is available; even some people traditionally believed that birds are also used as a guide to protect
them from python, lion, or from any other aggressive wild animals. They also believed that birds are
used to indicate time i.e, their calls give a clue for timing. Further more people traditionally believe that
the direction where a specific call of birds heard determines his/her luck, which means if a call heard at
the front or right side of the person concerned, he/she will have a good fortune if not otherwise.

CHAPTER SIX

VI. LAND USE STATUS OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK


Fig. 6.1 Primarily Alatish is Forest land dominated by sandy soil




6.1 BIODIVERSITY AND LAND USE

The wider range of climatic diversity (-116m Dalol depression 4533m Ras Dejen), the amazing
landscape, different types of soils available, plenty of water resources (Ethiopia is a water tower)
together with historical and cultural settings makes the country favorable for the survival of varied
species of fauna and flora. The endemic species of mammals like Walya Ibex, Ethiopian wolf, Gelada
Baboon- and birds like, Harud.Francolin (Sorenie Koke) are some examples to say.

Amhara National Regional state (ANRS) is one of the largest administrative regions endowed with
divers Natural resources together with the amazing landscapes and cultural heritage sites like Lalibela,
Gondar, Tiss Abay water fall and others which could generate high income for the ever-increasing
population if property protected and sustainably utilized.

Even though, there is high will and commitment by the regional government and good efforts in forest
development and wild life conservation (biodiversity conservation); the region is still experiencing sever
land degradation and loss in biodiversity which seeks immediate solutions and genuine participation of
stakeholders.

Deforestation, overgrazing, over cultivation of steep slopes and encroachment of forest lands to arable
land are some of the causes of land degradation. The ever increasing population pressure which is
dependent on natural resources for food, fuel, and employment coupled with improper management and
utilization of environmental resources is the root cause of land degradation in the region.

As a result some species of plants and animals are extremely in danger to survive; the forest cover of the
region is decreasing from time to time. Some species of animals are extinct or are migrating to the
neighboring countries. In general loss in biodiversity and land degradation are the main problems
affecting the region which calls for immediate solutions?

To overcome these problems forest development and wildlife conservation strategies like establishment
of National parks, protected forests, wetland management in general, biodiversity conservation strategies
are critically important to the region. The regional now committed and assigned a responsible authority
(PaDPA) at regional level and park office in specific protected areas. Among which Alatish National
park found in the western extreme of the region established as a National Park of which this document
discuses on its indicative land use plan.

6.2 TOPOGRAPHY AND SOIL

Almost 97% of the area is flat plain from top view interrupted by various streams hills, rough and rocky
plain lands with a slope range 0-8%, except the amazing mountain cliffs scattered through out the flat
plain like pyramids and the continuous escarpments which serve as a natural buffer zone bordering
South East of the park that ranges from Mehadid, Abamerafa, Derahsen via West of Bemur hill,
Bambaho and Baywa extending to Hyima River down to Aybeza and Abunta.

The dominant soil types physically observed are vertisoles, fluvisols and alluvial deposits around River
course dominated by golden sandy texture. Vertisols are available scattered throughout the park, but are
more abundant in the north and south east part of the park. Entisol in sandy and scrub areas and alluvial
soil deposit are dominant in the central part and flood plain along mainly Alatish and Gelegu River
courses extending to western flood plain around Amejalie, Menta (Amdok), Abun (Abnun) to Almeta.
The swelling and cracking behavior of vertisol is the main problem in transportation of dry weather
roads during rainy season.


6.3. THE NEED FOR LAND USE PLAN FOR ALNP

Decisions on land have always been part of the evolution of human society. At present the land use
changes are frequently brought about by the process of land use planning, such planning takes place in
all parts of the world. It may be concerned with putting environmental resources to know kind of
productive use. The need for land use planning is frequently brought about, however, by changing needs
and pressures involving competing uses for the same land.

The demand for arable land, grazing, forestry, wildlife, tourism and urban development are greater than
the land resources available.

The population dependent on Natural resources for food fuel and employment is increasing at an
alarming rate. Even when land is still plentiful, many people may have inadequate access to land or the
benefits from its use due to improper management and utilization of resources. As a result the
degradation of forest, water resources, wild lifes etc in general loss in biodiversity and desertification
will be aggravated.

The same is true for the study area: there is problem of land degradation due to conflicts among different
land uses and settlement program around the park and improper management and utilization of the
available resources which call for proper land use plan. Conflicts among different land uses are too
much magnified in the study area.
- Forest land viz arable land
- Forest land viz Nomadic.
- Forest land viz built-up area
Hence proper land use plan is very essential so that potential land use will be selected and put into
practice that will best meet the needs of the people while safeguarding resources for the future.

6.4 MAJOR LAND USES IN ALNP

Quara woreda has an area of land 812374 ha, out of which Alatish National park shares one third
(266570 ha) of the woreda; total land area.

Table 6.1 land use types of the woreda
Land use type Hectare % Remark
Cultivated land 96562.1

11.80
Cultivable land 114904

14.13 May be cultivated by immigrants
Currently grazed land 16275

2.00 May include grazing with in buffer zone and Alatish
Potential grazing land

9300.98

1.15 May include buffer zone of the park
Frankincense area 64640

7.90
Bush land 15867

1.91
Forest land

200475

25.60 Including buffer zone of Alatish NP approximately
> 40,00 ha
Mislaneous land 16684 2.03

Alatish National park

266570

32.80 Core Area of the park
Mountains and valleys

10095.5

1.24 Includes River and hills in the park
Built-up area

1000 0.10 May be not including recently widened village of
Mehadid , Gerara Bermel and Moabadema
Total area of woreda 812,374
Source; Quara woreda EPLAUA office.

Major land uses of the woreda with their area coverage being as explained in Table 1 the concern area,
Alatish National park has its own major land uses /Planning zones and cultural /historical attraction
sites. The major land uses identified in the park are: open wood land and open shrub grass land. This
exactly matches with the major ecosystems of Alatish delineated as Mixed Wooded Grasslands, Shrub
and Scrublands and Riverine and Seasonal Wetlands with various habitats and communities. These
areas could further classified based on available biological resources mainly vegetation and soil that can
be used for targeted purpose. For land utilization the following land features could be used.

6.4.1 Open wood land: - Covers the largest portion of the study area. It covers the middle of the
park around Alatish River to the central part. South East and Northern part of the park is dominated by
open woodland even though there are same scattered patches of grass lands.

This land use is composed of different species of plants and animals. Some of the dominant species of
plants are Terminlalia, Combretum, Acacia and Zizipus spp. Moreover, it is the favorable place for
animals like Antelops, Worthog and Purcupins. Bamboo and Bowsollia trees which are economically
important are commonly found in open areas of this vegetation zone. The Resettlement villages are all
in the near by distance to this land use specially the eastern part. As a result this land use is subject to
land degradation due to the need for arable land, fuel, grazing and construction materials by the restled
people around the park.

Fig.6.2. Deforestation a potential threat of open wooded land around Mehadid and Amejalie

6.4.2 Open shrub grassland: - This land use covers the smallest portion of the park. Larger
portion of this land use is located south west part of the park even though there are patches of scattered
grass lands throughout the study area. It is the place where most of the aquatic animals and some larger
mammals like Greater Kudu and Warthog exist. Due to the availability of potential water sources like
Rivers and wetlands it is the main focus area for fish development.

The Fellata nomads are known for their Nomadic life for a long period of time in the park, more
dominantly in the open grass land. As a result the area is subject to overgrazing which in the long run
leads to land degradation. There is also destructive type of fishing by the local people using insecticides
which unless regulated will lead to loss in aquatic life specially the fish-

6.5. LAND FEATURE AND MANAGEMENT ZONE.

6.5.1 Water resources

As we all know water is with no doubt important for any development activity. Rivers, wetlands, ponds
etc are all sources of water for domestic use, agriculture, wildlifes aquatic life transport: in general for
the existence of life. Therefore proper conservation, development as well as sustainable utilization of
these resource is crucial.

In Alatish proper management and sustainable utilization of water resources is more emphasized due to
the prevalence of high evapo-transpiration due to the higher temperature existing in the study area.
Improper utilization of these resources will aggravate the migration of wild animals to the neighboring
National Park Dinder of Sudan in search for water.

In the study area there are patches of wetlands, River and hand dug wells which support the life form to
exist. They have good potentials of fish and other aquatic life in addition to their ecological importance.
There are many rivers but the major ones are Ayima, Alatish and Gelegu and other streems Demir,
Albid, Dokmit and Nigeal have been used as a main source of water.

Gelegu River It is one of the longest rivers in the park with tremendous potential of aquatic life. It
passes through the capital town Gelegu of quara woreda to the north direction of the park (Amijale) then
to the west direction which leaves the park at dinder of Sudan.

It accommodates different species of aquatic life and birds throughout its course. Fish, crocodiles and
different species of birds together with water loving plant species are some to say. It is the main source
of water for every life form in the North east and North West part of the park. The agricultural activities
by the resettled people and investors in the proximity of the river are traits to its quality and quantity as a
result the aquatic life available throughout the river course will be affected negatively. Therefore proper
management and sustainable utilization of this resource is imperative.

Hyima River It starts at a place called Serako `south east of the park, It is also a boarder line
between two Administrative regions; Amhara national regional state and Benishangule Gumz National
regional state. It flows from southern east part of the park to the west crosses to Sudan.and named
Dindir. It is the main potential river of aquatic animals specially the fish community. It is the main
source of fish for the local people, Gumz Agew and others living around the river.

Alatish River It is among big rivers found in Alatish by which the name of the park is nominated. It
starts from South East escarpments part flows to the west of the park passing through the centre.

Alatish River has differences from the two main Rivers in that, Ayima and Gelegu Rivers are almost
boundaries of the park and are subjects to human interference. As a result, disturbance of wildlife,
improper utilization of aquatic animals like fish is comparatively low in Alatish River. The team has
observed foot prints of different wild animals like lion, Greater Kudu, Porcupine at Alatish River and
hence diversity of wild lifes

The team has also observed good potential of pure sand and water available at about 1m to 2m depth
during water stress periods inside the golden sand bed throughout the river course.


Fig. 6.3. Spectacular feature of Alatish river bed in wet and dry season

In addition to its ecological importance it is essential to develop the available water resource so that wild
animals and birds are able to get water during dry periods instead of migrating to the Dinder Park.

Wet lands -Wetlands are the most important resources from the socioeconomic point of view of
development. Recently, the emerging concept of wetland conservation is gaining special importance for
various reasons in developing countries. Some of the aspects are meeting the daily water requirements,
irrigation, aquaculture, purification of wastewater, etc.

According to the Ramsar Convention, 1971 wetlands are defined as areas of marshes, ferns, peat lands
or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with water, i.e., static or flowing, fresh
brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six
meters

Wetlands have an enormous ecological, economic, commercial and socioeconomic importance and
values. Two important aspects of wetlands are (1) function and (2) values as identified by various
wetland scientists.

The principal functions and values of wetlands are storage of water, storage of floodwater, sediment
traping, nutrient retention and removal, support for food chains and food webs, fishery production,
habitat for wildlife, recreation, natural heritage values, biomass production, water transport, bio-
diversity preservation and microclimate stabilization (IWRD,1992) as cited in Text book of
Environment by K M Agrawal,PK Sikdar and SC Deb
- Some specific functions of wetlands are:
- the coastal marshes absorb wave impacts and reduce erosion on estuarine shoreline besides
buffering the area from storms
- Wetlands intercept run off and tap water, and filter out pollutants. Nitrogen and phosphorous
fertilizers are also removed
- Heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, etc, can be removed from the water body by ion-exchange
and absorption in the organic and clay sediments, and by uptake by wetland plants.
- domestic sewage is also poured into marshes which can remove the coli form bacteria from faeces.
of the suspended solids and phosphorus, and reduces the turbidity (Mitsch and Gosselink, 1986) as
cited in text book of Environment.
- Wetland is also processed of human and animal wastes and helps to instigate the primary
production.
- Wetlands are useful as sink and transformers of a multitude of chemical, biological and genetic
materials.
- Wetlands serve as the habitat of various species of fish, plants, birds and innumerable number of
other vertebrates and invertebrates.
- There are patches of wetlands throughout the study area mainly dominantly on the central and
Northern part of the park. They are more abundant following the river courses.

Fig.6.4 Seasonal wetlands of Alatish a main sources of Fishing for sale in wet season

- Wetlands are potential water sources as well places for Semi-terrestrial and aquatic life,
assimilate wastes and good important in ecological balance.

There fore proper protection, development and sustain able utilization of the available wetlands will
enhance the survival and diversity of different species of fauna and flora together with the development
of water resources.

Hand dug wells There are about seven functional hand dug well (Megenagna, Yelkuk, Amejalie,
Bermel, Gerara, Mehadid and Bayiwa) of which the three are constructed by North Gonder Zone Fuel
Wood Project before a decade and are still functional with little maintenance. They are located in line
with the post site of the park and the settlement villages, used for domestic purpose. It is wise to develop
additional hand dug wells around the settlement area otherwise; people will enter to the forest area
(Park) in search for water which will bring disturbance of the wild animals. As well additional hand dug
wells will minimize diseases transmitted through water (water born diseases.).


Fig.6.5. Hand dung well used by indigenous people of Gumuz

Further more in improves the smooth relationship among park authorities (Rangers) and local
community particularly the indigenous people of the area Gumuze will get a chance to have clear water
and positive feeling toward park management.

6.5.2. Flat Plain area


Fig.6.6 The plain multifaceted of Alatish from Dass terara (AmraKuba)

Alatish is generally low laying area occupies almost 97 % of the total land area of the park in flat plain.
It is so interesting to watch the flat plain area stretched from Amjale (North) to Omedela (south) and
from Dass (Amrakuba) East to Ketef (Amitish) and Menta (Amdok) when its viewed from hill tops of
Dass (Amerakuba) and Laydinnar. It seams as a green mat and like a well designed sport field with
patches of amazing mountain cliffs scattered throughout the field. It is easy to enjoy with different strata
of vegetation and faces vivid by golden color of sandy and marbled areas and radish soil cliffs and deep
black seasonal wetland flood plain which are the results of soil type, the available soil moisture, rivers
and wet lands decorated with seasonal over flow of Alatish out of its river course and its tributaries on
open land of plain mat.

Most of the wetlands and other sources of water are found in the flat plain area as well it is the place for
large mammals like Elephant, Buffalo, Greater kudu and lions and aquatic animals like fish and others.
Therefore establishment of proper management plan will be mandatory for the larger portion of the park,
the flat plain area.

6.5.3 Mountain cliffs and escarpments

A mountain cliff called Das Terara (Amrakuba) is the place to see the whole boundary and different
strata of vegetation in the park. It has an altitude 750masl plateau at the top with an estimated area 9 ha
circular flat top designated as a spectacular view point (Observation point) by park authorities. It can
also be a good post site and campsite water may be a limiting factor in some extent but it can be carried
from Bermel village which is about 3 km east of it. The cliff is easily accessible as it is situated 3km far
west of the settlement village called Bermele, it is more assessable than any part of similar spectacular
view points. It has a dry weather road from the capital town of Quara woreda, Gelgue.

There are more than 15 mountain cliffs scattered throughout the park Dass terara (Amrakuba), laydinar,
Ketef (Hamtish), Menta (Amdok), Negila, Omedeia Abdiwan, Abtsagiya, Demir, Abamerafa, Berenta,
Albid, Tsequa, Bayiwa and Mulugeta Terra are some to say.

Some have special attraction in their historical and scenic value. Amdok and Dinnar which are located
west and north of the park respectively haves attractions in that you can enjoy twins of mountains
situated on the flat plain area. Another historical site is the Omedela found in south west boarder of the
park bordering Beshangul Gumuz Regional State, Sudan and Ethiopia. It is the place where Emperor
Haile Selassie II stayed for 7 days in 1941 during his back to motherland (Ethiopia) from exile in
England via Sudan during the Italian war. The emperor stayed for seven days in a single live tree hewed
tree about 9m sized room. This historical tree is now exiting with clearly observed scripts in Amharic
called Ke. Ha. Se. are abbreviated name of the Emperor on the tree known as Diza (Adonsonia digitata)
globally threatened species. In addition Omedila was the place, national policemen training center and
serving as center of custom office between Ethiopia and Sudan (1942-1974) and it had primary school
until 2002.

The name of the federal police sport club called with this historical and political memorial site. After
1974 all infrastructures had destroyed and its power dismantled and the importance of Omedeal for the
time. Now it is proposed as one of suitable post site and its mountain top for both camp observation
points.

The type of vegetation in the mountain cliffs is different from the plain area in that it is dominated by
acacia and Zizipus species.

Fig. 6.7. Distant view of Das Terara (Amrakuba) from Laydinnar hill

In Alatish, in general, mountain cliffs differ from the plain land in that they have relatively high altitude
(moderate temperature), places where rocks are found more dominated by acacia species with shallow
soil depth. The abundant soil types in the mountain cliffs are sandy and they are water stressed areas.
Some of the cliffs serve as Natural buffer zone for the park; as well they are not easily accessible by
human beings or livestock. Hence, they are relatively safe places for wildlife.

6.5.4. The Bamboo area

Lowland bamboo is one of widely grown in Alatish and economically important plant species. It is used
for construction extensive patches of bamboo areas are available throughout park but more dominantly
on the well drained, gently sloping areas of Tsequa mount and areas from Derahasen to central Alatish
Megenagna extends to western low laying areas of Alatish. Around Ktef (Amtish), Menta (Amdok) and
south east part of the park around Aybeza extends to south east around Hyminishmish to Omedila.

Fig 6.8. Newly growing and old Bamboo around Megenagna

The Bamboo is threatened by the illegal users. As of the information from local people, sometimes 10
bundles of camel per day is cut and taken for sale by smuggling people to different areas.

Therefore it is wise, to conserve develop and utilize the available bamboo trees inside the park.

6.6. LAND USE PATTERN /TREND

Quara woreda was known for its less population density but with high forest cover. The native dwellers
around the park the Gumz were few in number with inherently no significant negative impact to the
forest and wildlife. The farming system of the Gumz is hoe-culture which is environmentally friendly.
As their livelihood is based on forests and forest products, the Gumz have good privileges and
protection for the forests and different water sources.

The Agew are the 2
nd
Nationalities living utilizing park resources. They are the ones who are more
benefited from the park. Bamboo tree collection for domestic & commercials use, traditional honey
collection, livestock grazing and fuel wood are some of the benefits from the park. Compared to the
Gumz the Agew are somewhat traits for the park, because there farming system is not a hoe-culture
rather they produce crops through oxen drawn traditional farm implements hence the need for arable
land through encroachment of forest areas

But, nowadays the number of human seminal population is drastically increasing due to Resettlement
and investment program carried out in the woreda since 2001. The need for arable land, grazing and
built up areas is tremendously increasing; Especially the Resettlement program is which established
around the eastern boarder of the park (some villages inside the buffer zone) are the main traits for the
park unless proper mitigation measures are designed.

As of the information obtained from the local people, it was frustrating/ difficult for a man to enter the
Alatish forest due to its density and the different wild animals inside the forest. A man was considered
as a Hero if he is able to enter the Alatish forest. But it is not true for the current condition. People can
easily enter to the forest and collect forest and forest products, arable forming and for seasonal grazing,
even though there are efforts mad by PaDPA to aware the local people and establishment of scouts.

In general an increase in the number of population, emergence of rural town, villages and the associated
infrastructures and market centers coupled with investors, whose focus is mainly on the production of
market oriented crops like sesame, cotton and sorghum is the root course of deforestation followed by
land use change.

As a result forest a wetlands and some water source sites are changed to arable land, grazing and built-
up areas at a faster rate. On the eastern side of the park from Mehadid to Gerara between beckon 4 to 8
almost 70% of the buffer zone is cultivated. According to Alatish park office 2008 report, in north
eastern part of the park around beckon 7 and 8 in Mehadid and Gerara 771 farmers are cultivating about
1552 ha of land in the buffer zone of which 10 farmers are plowing about 20ha inside the park. Now the
park office, kebele and Woreda administrations are trying to make the necessary arrangement to solve
the problem but not yet solved. In the same way some 1 to 2 km of buffer zone around Amjalie between
beckon 19 and 20 deforested and one farm plot estimated about 5 ha is cultivated inside the park.
However, negotiation with Kebele administrator and effective follow up of parks scouts, these
deforested farm plots on the buffer zone and core area are now abandoned. Farmers have agreed not to
continue on such illegal activities. However, the number of park scouts and community park councils
should be increased and necessary facilities timely arranged for effective close follow up.

Fig.6.9 from left to right Bermel, Cultivated land inside the park and Mehadid village

Some species of wild animals are migrating or change their habitat due to disturbance and hunting. The
available water sources are diminishing with their associated aquatic lives:

6.7. UTILIZATION THREATS ON THE PARK

Major traits on conservation and development of the park are settlement, investment seasonal, grazing
Nomadics of the so called Nigerian people Fellata, hunting, fire out brake and the smuggling of
wildlife and its product to neighboring country Sudan..

Settlement program
The here are about seven settlement villages following the eastern boarder of the park. They are
established at the proximity of the park (some are inside the butter zone). The settlement program
accommodates both native and continuously increasing immigrants.

Even though the resettled people have their own piece of land for agriculture and construction they need
additional arable land grazing land and fuel wood. As a result they encroach forest lands to arable land
hunt and disturb wild animals as well wetlands are over utilized for grazing purpose.

The Fellata Nomads.
They lead Nomadic life for a long period of time inside the park more dominantly in the western part
they have high number of livestock population which needs much fodder and water for survival.

As a result valuable wetlands, grass lands and patches of water points in general the forest is over
utilized, habitats of wild animals are highly disturbed, especially the SW part of the park which is the
comfortable habitat for the Elephant


Hunting and fire outbreak

The local people use fire for honey collection and in search for arable land As a result valuable species
of plants and even animals are lost through fire out brake there is also illegal hunting wild life by the
Gumuz even though their focus area for is at the lower tropic level on small animals and reptiles.

Seasonal grazing
There high number of livestock population coming from neighbor highland Woredas of Ethiopian
during fodder stress periods from April to July and vegetation of the area reestablish.
.
6.7.5 Fishing

There are different water resources in the park Rivers, wetlands, pond etc. They have high potential of
fish and other aquatic life- But there is no proper development and utilization of these resources same
local farmers and other coming from neighboring country or other Woredas used chemicals for fishing
purpose which will can totally

6.8 EXPECTED BENEFIT FROM THE PARK

Expected benefits of the park can be categorized into ecological, economical and political
6.8.1. Ecological benefits
- Prevents expansion of desertification
- Ecological balance
- Conserve biodiversity
- Climate ( Temperature) balance

6.8.2. Economic benefits
- Incomes for tourism for Government as well as for the local community
- Employment opportunities like scouts and construction
- Experiences on how to conserve the environment
- As an income source for research and science
- Benefits from eco-tourism
6.8.3. Social benefits.
- International and community experience sharing specially useful cultures and traditions on
biodiversity conservation
- Infrastructure development like roads, school, vet pasts
- Eco-tourism cooperatives
- Cultural medicines reserved

6.8.4. Political benefits
- As it is situated at boards with Sudan it will have a benefit on international boundary peace
- Illegal hunting, trade on wildlife and forest products conserved
- Develops the countries share in preventing desertification
- It can be Trans boundary National park.



CHAPTER SEVEN
VII. HYDROLOGICAL SYSTEM OF ALATISH NATIONAL PARK



Fig. 7.1 Abundant and scanty of water in wet and dry season in Ayima (Above) and Alatish (Below)


7.1 WATER TESOURCES OF ALNP

For conservation and sustainable utilization of biological resources acquiring knowledge and developing
skills of conservation and proper utilization and systems are indispensable. Strategically approaches for
conservation and proper utilization process start in stocking and inventory of biological resource,
inventory and assessment of root courses problems and option analysis of spatial integrity. However, in
many natural areas of Ethiopia assessment and conservation effort so far applied are minimal and many
areas with diverse biological resources are not well studied. Hence, this rapid assessment is targeted to
identify hydrological issues and associated activities in water resources of ALNP..

Selferede, Dubaba and Gelegu Rivers are rivers, which are potentially rich in fish that are found across
the main road from Shinfa to Gelegu town (Quara woreda). For this rapid assessment river in Alatish,
Gelegu and Ayma and associated tributaries biophysical features, potential and threats identified.

One of most impressing and unique characteristics of ALNP is its hydrological system. Alatish, Aiyma
and Gelegu with many tributaries and seasonal floods from the highlands of Guara, Alefa, Chiliga nd
Jawi areas to carry a large volume of water in wet season. This large volume of water besides about
800mm annual rainfall used as major source of life support for all biological resources of the park.
Water from eastern highlands as large flood in wet season compensates dry season excessive
evaporation through retention of large volume of water in the flood plain of Alatish. Ayima and Gelegu
rivers boarders south and north of the park respectively, while Alatish river flows through the center of
the park commencing in the eastern scrublands collected from numerous streams form a wide river bed
at the foot of Berenta and joins with Nigela at the middle of Alatish (Megenagna) at which maximum
volume of water is discharged.

Regarding the potential of the rivers for various use all are extremely fluctuating rivers containing
excess water that results mostly flooded out of river course (mainly Alatish) in wet season and
intermittent in case of Ayima and Gelegu and scanty surface water in Alatish in dry season which makes
unsuitable for irrigation and other purposes beyond fish production and conservation for wildlife and
tourism.


7.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF RIVERS AND SEASONAL WETLANDS

All rivers have attracting seasonal character. Alatish and Gelegu sink in the golden sandy river course in
dry season. Of which the name of Alatish is given by the indigenous Arabic speaking Gumuz
nationalities as the water sinks in the sandy river bed no surface water is seen in dry season (Moa
Altish). The traditional people and nomads from Sudan develop water trough digging 1 to 2 meter of
sandy river bed to drink hundred thousands of their cattle and other animal sustainably in the long dry
season. Hence water in Alatish and in the lower course of Gelegue flows as surface in wet season and
under sandy bed in dry season which is the most striking and spectacular adjustment to minimize
extreme evaporation of water in the long dry season from open pan river bed of Alatish and Gelegu
rivers.

It is natural mechanism to support biological resources and interdependence of living organisms with its
surrounding physical resources which provides the meaning of complete ecosystem. While Ayima River
is physically dominated by rocky bed and huge stones resistant to move by large volume of water force
in wet season (May to November). Ayma River is intermittent in the long dry season leaving big ponds
with in short distance. Most of ponds are hided in between big canopy trees and cave shaped huge stones
which minimizes the intensity of sunlight.

Ayima River is rich in variety of reptile and fishes. Various types of fish and reptiles used as a main
source of food and exported to Soudan on which the livelihood of indigenous Gumuz people living
along Ayma River depends. Many of tributaries of Alatish, Ayima and Gelegu have numerous pools
some of which my retain water under sandy bed throughout the dry season. However, detail
characteristics of main rivers, their tributaries and potentials are not known.



Fig.7.2 Wet season face of water left to right Ayima, Alatish, Gelegue and Sambri. (Seasonal Wetland)

Fishing in Ayma and the upper course of Gelegu is harvested starting from in the late wet season
(September) to early wet seasonal. (June). No report on fishing in Alatish but. Adjacent seasonal
wetlands are taped an ample amount of fish and mainly loaded to Soudan. Fishing on Gelogu is only for
local consumption as an additional food source on some stagnant ponds in dry season. Gelegu is also
rich in biodiversity as to Ayima but one side of both rivers is not protected. The native communities
Gumuz living in the river banks of Ayma to the direction of Beshangul Gumuz are specialized in
traditional fishing techniques could create potential hazards not only fishes but also other animals can be
hunted.

Other striking hydrological system of Alatish is the presence of seasonal wetlands (Sambri) and muddy
(Mezega) areas that support many life forms and major wildlife and human conflict is prevalent in the
long dry season. Seasonal wetlands of Alatish are characterized by grassy patches of land devoid of
woody trees with various size and shape. A thin striped Sambri covers 1-3 km length around Glegu
River in Amejalie to Alga. Where as circular and rectangular shaped Sumbries of a single patch
comprises about 0.2 to 3 sq km and interrupted by drained soils. Sambris are used as a main source of
fishing for export to Sudan in a large quantity. To provide estimated quantity, since mostly fishing is
illegal and needs to assess from the middle of wet season (August) to 1/3 of water is remaining
(October). Fishing in Sambri is harvested only once a year because of absence of water.



Fig 7.3. Dry season face of left to right Ayima, Alatish, Gelegu and Sambri

In central and western part of Alatish around Sukul, Yelkuk, Amtish, along Dindir Alatish boarder in
Abnun and Amdok flood plains are major areas of this land feature. Fishes in Sumbri are believed to be
transported from rivers through the outflow of water during extensive flooding or specialized in hiding
their eggs in residual moisture under soil which requires detail studies on identification and reproduction
behavior of hydrological biota.

7.3 FISHING IN AYIMA AND GELEGU

In Ayima River there recently organized fishermen cooperatives organized in two teams. Each team has
thirteen and sixteen members, as a result teams export dried fish to Sudan and local markets. Fishermen
used materials for fishing activities by locally made gillnet and hook and lines which is bought both
from Bahir dar market and Sudan.

Ayima River is found after Gelegu town to Bemur, kebele town of Quara woreda 18 km, again from
Bemur 14 km after traveling on foot during wet season sampling period to reach Fetene bahir sampling
site. It is found at the boundary of Benishangul Gumuz region (Region six) and Quara woreda kebele
where Agew and Gumuz ethnic groups are inhabited the area especially Gumuz groups are found just
along the river sides, and they are highly engaged by fish consumption from Ayima River.

Ayima River arises from Jawi woreda, which is found in Awi zone of region three and the river crosses
the country by bisecting two regions (Region three and Benishangul Gumuz, Region six). River Ayima
encircles Alatish National park to Southern side and it is called Dinder River in Sudan. Major tributaries
of Ayima River are Adebluk, Sid, Awjemis, Demo and Tsira Rivers. Fishery Cooperatives organized in
the above mentioned rivers are at their infant stage, there is no extension systems clearly functioning in
the area regarding to fishery resource, relatively better activities of extension agent is observed at Shinfa
River than others.

Ayima River is mainly dominated by inhabitants of Gumuz and Agew ethnic groups, the immediate
inhabitant to the river side is gumuz ethnic group both belongs to region six (Benishangul Gumuz) and
North Gondar Zone of Quara woreda. At Ayima River especially Gumuz young groups of a society are
highly experienced in fishing using spear, stones and hook and lines and used for daily consumptions
both in the field and take to their home for the families (Fig. 6). Fishermen are both from Gumuz, Agew
and Amhara by decreasing order in proportion. Fishing is mainly conducted by gillnet fishing gear made
from nylon rope made locally by bought raw materials from Sudan, but gillnets do not have both floaters
and lead (Fig. 2). Fishing is mainly taking place by sleeping nearby the water and collect their catch
while gillnet is set at every three hour intervals this is to avoid crocodile damage and to increase the
surface area of the net to trap fish (Fig. 7).


Fig. 7.4 Local fishing gears made from Nylon rope by Gumuz and Agew tribes.

In Ayima river there are two groups of fishermen organized under cooperatives, but they are not yet
functional, this was due to may be inaccessibility of the area (remoteness). From Ayima River,
fishermen sell their catch at Bemur town and the catch transported to Gelegu (a town of Quara Woreda)
(Fig. 3). Fishermen after they fish together they take to the nearby village of individual house, who is a
member of fishermen and they share their catch and take individually either for home consumption or to
earn income (Fig. 4). Gumuz individual family who live near Ayima River develope fishing system,
which is permanently built during the dry season called Guraba. Fishermen check Guraba everyday
early in the morning either it has fish or not (Fig. 5).

Fig 7.5 fishermen selling their catch at the nearby town, Bemur, fish division at coffee sermony.


Fig. 7.6 Tradditional fishing gear constructed Guraba in Ayima River.

In this system of fishing fishermen can get live fish at the same time small fishes and unwanted species
would be released to the river and also fishermen can take fishes to the market or to house consumption
based on daily needs, the rest will stay for other days without spoilage, used as preservative method.

Fig. 7.7 Children fetch fish using hook , lines, spear and stone overnight fishing

7.4 TYPES OF FISHS

27 species of fish were identified in Ayima. Because of water turbidity it was difficult to sample fishes
in this field assessment from Gelegu. Other hydrological and values are assessed and Fishing in Ayima
river is a vital source of both livelihood and economic sources besides its ecological and esthetic value.

Ayima river rich in variety of spices support the livelihood of indigenous people Gumuz living around it
and illegal business for sale to Sudan. It requires further detail studies to identify other specie in the
whole course of the river and quantify the amount utilized and used for sale. However, all river courses
and ponds along Abajilajil, Aybeza, Abunta, Aygumba, Kusli, Hyminishmish, balankur and Omedila are
village in which fishing extensively practiced with local couching and inimical to sustainability of
excising diversity. This study was only assessed to indicate diversity only in two sites at the upper
course of the river Ayima around Bambaho Abajilajil and Fetene Bahir. Besides diversity of fishes in
Ayma the most striking in fishing is the local knowledge of native people in fishing using various
methods. There are also big ponds which are not used for fishing (Tikur bahir in Aybeza).

Similarly several species of fishes are found in Gelogu River but due to turbidity of water it was difficult
to ample. Fishing in gelogu is not common and its economical use and diversity requires further study.

Table 7.1. Fish species composition of Ayima River with their common name of Amharic and
Gumuz
.







No Species name Common name Order Family Genera
Amharic Gumuz
1 Lates niloticus Ayila Burwa Perciformes Centropomida
e
Lates
2 Oreochromis niloticus Keresso Cichlidae Oreochromis
3 Auchenoglanis
biscutatus
Lemlem
Kury
Jesuma Siluriformes Bagridae Auchenoglanis
4 Bagrus docmak Ambaza Besesie Bagrus
5 Bagrus bajad
6 Schilbe intermedius Liben Schilbeidae Schilbe
7 Clarias gariepinus Bermuts Bilbutsie Clariidae Clarias
8 Heterobranchus
longifilis
Sorz Bedena Heterobranchus
9 Malapterurus electricus Assa Adenziz Malapterurida
e
Malapterurus
10 Synodontis serratus Kury Kuku Mochokidae Synodontis
11 Synodontis schall
12 Heterotis niloticus Dulasa Paloluha Osteoglossifor
mes
Osteoglossida
e
Heterotis
13 Mormyrus kannume Ayto
(Woyto)
Assa
Mormyriform
es
Mormyridae Mormyrus
14 Mormyrus hasselquistii
15 Mormyrus caschive
16 Hydrocynus forskahlii Tirso Enza Cypriniformes Characidae Hydrocynus
17 Alestes baremoze Beresho Chilentie Alestes
18 Brycinus macrolepidotus Shimelo(Shi
mel
Shalia)
- Brycinus
19 Brycinus nurse - -
20 Citharinus latus Sefedo Yambda Citharinidae Citharinus
21 Labeo niloticus Cuba Mangata Cyprinidae Labeo
22 Labeo forskalii Tikur cuba Tsiya
23 Labeobarbus bynni Guanja Labeobarbus
24 Labeobarbus nedgia
25 Labeobarbus degeni
26 Labeobarbus
crassibarbis

27 Labeobarbus
intermedius

CHAPTER EIGHT

VIII. CONSERVATION NEEDS, GAP ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR ALATISH NATIONAL PARK

8.1. NEEDS OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Beyond the issues of natural biodiversity resources conservation demand how to conserve and sustain
becomes an indispensible issue and question of to day. Extensively, it requires strong effort to reconcile
ever increasing population and diminishing natural resources amid conflicts in between, targeted direct
use value, low commitment and improper management for the achievement of sustainable development
through conservation managed utilization of living resources. Providing solution for these is more
challenging as they are problems common in both developed and developing countries. However, IUCN,
UNEP, WWF, 1980 indicated several problems of erosion; desertification, deforestation and lack of
conservation based rural development are much more acute in developing countries than developed
ones.

This urgently calls conservation as mentioned by the above authors the use of conservation application
aiming to maintain essential ecological resources and life support systems, to preserve genetic diversity
and to insure sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems as a rational response to the nature of
living resources and also an ethical impressive, expressed in the belief that we have not inherited the
earth from our parents, we have borrowed it from our children

This gives interrogative warning for existing generation to be responsible and to provide due attention
on conservation of natural living resources as a must and could be transferred to the lender or next
generation. Application of conservation and proper utilization of resources in ALNP shows one of
indispensable role expected to play in this regard. Thus, to attained it, how to develop conservation and
sustainable utilization; strategic management system and guiding document (GMP) is a question of to
day for a countries like Ethiopia which have many unprotected natural areas. Hence, conservation and
management strategy for ALNP has to be developed to conserve essential ecological processes and other
aspects for human survival and sustainable management issues based on conservation demand.
Moreover, it generates sustainable dependable, ecological and social services and supports the
livelihoods of the local community through are economic return. In line with PaDPA of the ANRS
already implemented these preliminary and basic activities such as legalization, management staff and
infrastructure development in ALNP, to ensure the application of effective management system, through
preparation of GMP the guiding document for activities in the next ten years should be developed.

The climatic, topographic, soil and water resources of Alatish clearly indicate management through
conservation in protected area respective category is indispensible as the only means to sustain
biophysical resources and conservation managed sustainable utilization. The plain areas flooded and
saturated with water pool in wet season which eventually vanish in dry season and other scrub, sandy
and escarpments have no sufficient soil to support crops and hold water. On the other hand if existing
vegetation removed for agriculture and other purpose flood in wet season will for gullies and available
shallow soil washed out the area can be seriously affected with extensive erosion which eng up with
desertification. The current situation of devastated vegetation had been in wet season the chance of
recovery could lost and it could have been resulted in waste land that could not provide any service..

8.2. GAP ANALYSIS FOR THE STUDY

Management Plan (GMP) for ALNP could serve as a guide for all decisions to reconcile utilization
demand of the community and conservation benefit. To establish effective GMP relevant data and
current situation should be recorded and presented which is accomplished in preplanning phase by data
gathering to develop updated status report for which this rapid assessment was conducted by a group of
experts with various discipline. Many of socioeconomic, biophysical, management, threats, conservation
opportunities and risks status have been mentioned and consolidated in the document.

The study was supported with information available from different primary and secondary sources at
both office and field level. Multidisciplinary approach was used to address socioeconomic, ecological,
botanical, zoological, land use and water resources status of ALNP and its vicinities. For socioeconomic
studies all kebeles that are adjacent to the park are accessed through Focused Group Discussion (FGD),
Key Informants and Local authorities. Wildlife, ecological and land use studies were addressed mainly
through field expedition to prior selected accessible areas and representative sites

However, Alatish has a vast core area of (266570 ha excluding 2 to 5 km distance of buffer zone),
biophysical and socioeconomic resources. Thus, inaccessibility: low inter-visibility due to flat plain
landscape and undifferentiated vegetation in each habitats forced to use hills and cliff tops during field
assessment, besides, particularly rain in wet and hot in dry seasons with associated biophysical feature
extremely affect to execute any assessment and development activities. Within this circumstance the
assessment work, indeed, it was challenging.

Moreover, due to time shortage to cover all areas or representative sites within given time and seasonal
variability of biophysical status which requires to take data mainly in two seasons; facilities such as
satellite image to indicate biophysical resources distribution and threat extent in each resources; absence
of internal roads and campsites inside the park to accesses and record different behavior and population
of the animals; lack of expertise in analysis of botanical and soil aspects and weather conditions were
constraints. Due to these all data may not addressed to provide full-fledged information and detail
descriptions in all aspect. With these the status, constraints and other information may not presented and
discussed in detail as to run management plan preparation only at office level.

Additional requirements for preparation of GMP which are beyond this assessment work are trans
regional with BGRS to south boarder along Ayima river and transboundary with Sudans National park
Dinder which is adjacent to the west boarder about 74 km issues need to be incorporated in the
management plan. These issues require further investigation and communication with relevant
stakeholders in respective region and country BGRS and The Sudan respectively. The Authority
collaborating with funding sources needs to arrange forums to discuss on wildlife migration extent and
route, threats, conservation system and utilization of resources prior to preparation of management plan
for mutual benefit.

Thus, preparation of GMP may require verifying and executing some additional investigations to have
all necessary data at required level. However, available secondary data and primary needs of
conservation; interests of various group and over all status of the park has been identified. The
socioeconomic status, relevant stakeholders, ecosystems and their components, wildlife and vegetation,
land use and water resources with associated threats; possible options and opportunities with associated
man power and infrastructure have been thoroughly discussed.

Hence, the management plan with this indicative study can be executed and should be supported by field
verification during preparation phase using facilities (satellite images), expertise and other data
gathering tools that could provide exact spatial information and quantified coverage of ecosystem
targets, vegetation, water, land use, wildlife species distribution, infrastructures, spectacular sites and
threat extents with respective management inputs at desired level. Additional data to enrich the available
information should be gathered or their situation assessed in both wet and dry season so as to generate
management options based on seasonal status of management targets.

8.3. MANAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION FOR ALNP

Management plan for protected areas is a document which sets out the management approach,
destination and decision making process for protected area over a given period of time. It is prescriptive
which depends on the purpose for which they are to be used and legal requirement to be met. It identifies
the key features and values of the protected area, addresses the management objectives to be met and
actions to be implemented. It also subjected to flexibility to incorporate unforeseen events in the course
of implementation that could be considered (Thomas .and Julie, 2005).

The maintenances of ecological process and life support system primarily require rational planning and
allocation of equitable uses and high quality management of these uses (IUCN, UNEP, WWF, 1980).
These can be ensured by application of effective management plan. Management plan for ALNP is a
prime document from which other rules, regulations and specific management program and
implementation plans can be generated. It is relatively complex which based on the objectives of the
park, threats to these objectives, competing interests and the level of involving stakeholders and issues
arising from outside the park following the planning respective protected category (National Park)
global principles and practices to guide the planning process that ensures the management plan
applicable and useful at each respective level.

Therefore, the management plan for ALNP expected to met management requirements for conservation,
scientific research, tourism and sustainable utilization involving conservation managed use which can
met the interests of local community at the beginning through non damaging utilization and distinct
responsibility for the various community based on their interest and capability to reconcile conservation
and utilization demand for biophysical resources of the park.

Effective and locally based and global system managed protected area could ensure to address
ecological, economical, social, political interests of all parties at reasonable level and at the same time
the responsibility of those groups to transfer the natural ecosystem for coming generation through
sustainable managed conservation system.

8.3.1 Requirements for ALNP GMP Preparation

Preparation of GMP for ALNP is a continuous process with various steps began with assigning data
gathering and rapid assessment team by which this assessment work accomplished. The team was
assigned to perform data collection, resources identification, consultation, evaluation of data and
analysis of constraints, opportunities and threats that could help to develop management targets and
objectives under different management program that uses for short and long term management options
and better management and livelihood improvement of the local communities in its vicinity. .


8.3.2 Purposes of GMP for ALNP

The purpose of preparing GMP for ANP helps for protection of fragile and vast biodiversity of this
representative lowland ecosystem and its buffer zone through participation of the local inhabitants. And
to create conducive environments in which it can be passed down to the coming generation as a heritage
as well as provide an appropriate contribution to the over all development of surrounding community in
a sustainable way discussed as follows.

The GMP assess, define and identify major management problems and issues, objectives that can be
addressed by possible measures actions and activities, And ensure the realization of expected outputs
resulted from strong commitment and collaborated endeavors for the benefit of local, regional, national
and international users as well as maintenance of these lowland biodiversity.

It provides more managerial, technical and operational aspects of activities in the next three years paying
more attention to management tasks and further to operational plan of each year. It is not only a part of
long-term management plan it is a base to establish detail and comprehensive long term management
plan.

It provides an opportunity for PaDPA to develop regional solutions to the complex conservation,
management and planning challenges facing on newly established Alatish National Park, in particular
the design and intervention of collaborative management approaches involving the local community.

It provides an opportunity relevant stakeholders together with the local community can gain experience
in participatory work in which provide a foundation for launching full participatory planning and
implementation process and relevant stakeholders in BGRS and Dinder national park too.

8.3.3 The scope of the GMP

The Alatish National Park GMP preparation implemented at the following procedures and levels to
establish working guidelines for park staff and stakeholders in the next ten years further used as spring
board for each operational activities during implementation time.
At office level organization and assessment of so for accomplished activities and arranging the
necessary information on all components of the park and human resource mobilization at desired level

Field assessment at different management zone in and around Alatish National Park to enrich verify and
enrich existing ecological, social and economic settings, at Kebele, Woreda and regional level and
discuss on issues with relevant stakeholders

Develop ten year development plan and three years operational plan that comprises action and activities
under various program developed and present on workshops in which relevant stakeholders available.

Communicate with BGRS respective institutions and Dinder National Park officers to design trans
regional and Trans boundary activities for mutual benefit sues and formulate detail activities that could
be accomplished in .
.
8.3.4 Significance of preparing management plan

After compilation and establishment of management plan all activities will run accordingly for suitable
and sustainable protection and management as a result the out puts can achieve. Moreover the successes
and failures can be identified while implementing through proper monitoring and evaluation as well as
guides, future actions and decisions. The significance of GMP can be summarized as:-
- Improves and allows the management of the park through pronounced participation of local
administration, communities, national and international cooperation for sustainable development.
- Creates safe and ecologically balanced natural biodiversity and establish their roles in ecological
and economical services at significant level for human and intrinsic right of biological resources of
the park.
- Provides a clear direction for better use of resources (Human and Financial) through facilitated and
sustainable protection, development and proper utilization of vast and divers resources of the park
with balanced ecological settings and minimum wildlife disturbance
- Improve reliability, credibility and communication between relevant stakeholders to create
conducive conditions in the long term management to all aspects of management, conservation and
conservation managed utilization
- It increases accountability of protected area managers and other staff members and stakeholders to
support in mitigating of the problems so conflicts with wilderness and services amenities required
will be minimized as a result illegal activities influences on wildlife minimized at significant level,
even in the long run may be totally illuminated.
- Further investigation and detail studies will be carried out, besides minimal natural hardship and
time constraints for ecological studies and wildlife censes
- Delineates the activities of each stakeholder at local, regional, national international level and trans
regional and transboundary level.

8.3.5 Outputs of the GMP

Development of a protected area can not be effective properly without a comprehensive management
plan, which can guide all activities in an integrated and coordinated way. The following out puts are
generated in preparing the GMP which seeks further intensive detail description expected during
implementation. The following outputs could be established in the process of GMP plan preparation.

Preplanning
- Preparation of TOR for planning team
- All the necessary inputs and facilities and planning sub groups established
- Pertinent stakeholders on park management identified. .Their role and responsibility could be
clearly delineated. Hence stakeholders at kebele and woreda level and experts, management staff
and community representatives could be initiated and participated in the planning process.
- Clearly stated management plan components such as ranked exceptional resources values, park
biophysical resources status, conservation systems, development problems, management
frameworks, management programs, management outputs, conservation targets, operational plan
activities, estimated financial and time costs and monitoring and evaluation schemes will be
sorted out and prepared for discussion during planning process.

Planning Process

The actual work of GMP preparation expected to generate the following outputs in detail based on
resources arranged in preplanning phase
- Representative sample sites selected and available park resources recorded by ground survey in
different directions of the park
- Problems and associated causes identified through field survey observation and discussion with
local communities, district (Woreda) officials on park establishment and management.
- Function and structure of the GMP
- Priority resources and as ranked Exceptional Resource values (ERVs) that need the planning
- Ecosystem categories and their features
- Park threats and their effects on ERVs to be addressed
- Park and program purposes and implementation schemes
- Management programs their purposes, targets, outputs and guiding principles
- Major problems and management issues in different programs
- Map of Alatish that shows sites for different resources and infrastructures
- Actions and activities to address stated objectives and outputs in each program activities
- Practical experience of local professionals in preparation of management plan
- Implementing agencies/stakeholder and yearly activities
- Trans regional and Transboundary issues objectives activities and actions
- Required manpower for each program activities
- Monitoring and evaluation systems
- A final draft GMP document
- .

CHAPTER NINE

IX CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1. CONCLUSIONS

Despite taking long duration to establish Alatish as a National Park, decisions on legalization and
development activities are still going in time to maintain natural status. In deed, it is a responsible
decision on designation of Alatish for conservation, sustainable use, ecological and economical services
for present and future generation. Study, boundary demarcation, legalization, organization of manpower
and facilities and infrastructure development requested strong commitment and endeavor, as seen, still
many of management activities going on in the same way, and partly the study team of this document
shared.

Though, Alatish left with its natural feature conserved as a priority forest area for many years and now
delineated as a national park, it does not mean it is free from threats on its biophysical resources. It has
been devastated by excessive utilization for grazing and poaching by Fellata nomads from Sudan.
Recently it also threatened with expansion of arable lands due to population pressure incurred by
settlement and immigrants from different parts of the region for various purposes settling in its buffer
zone.

In this study, major social resource, local community due interest on park, some contradictive issues as
apparent and potential threats that calls for urgent collaborative solution are described in detail. Three
principal ecosystems with various ecological unit; spatial arrangement and status; existing manpower
and infrastructure are delineated and described. The study further identified threats, potential impact,
possible solutions and opportunities to rehabilitate the natural ecological units to form complementary
compositions in forming ecosystem.

The vegetation assessment result shows that still 130 species of plants with different habit 84 tree and
shrubs, 29 herbs use for food and medicinal plants and 17 grass species identified in their respective
habitats such as wooded land, grasslands, seasonal wetland, riverine, scrub, sandy, rocky and hilly areas
of sampled study sites addressed in the study.. Additional botanical investigation should be continued
for detail studies and others habitats of the park to classify and listed plant species according to
taxonomic classes. The floristic composition and their values have significant environmental, social and
economical role used for various purposes by native people. .

Though, vegetation in general found in narrow altitude ranges (500-900masl) and undifferentiated tree
species in specific habitats and landscapes, but there are various groups and habitats of vegetation which
categorized in six distinct habitats, largely, spatially distributed in three ecosystems of Alatish identified
as RSWE, SSE and MWGE. Riverine and open wetland grasslands in RSWE, Wooded, Wooded
Grassland and Bamboo forest in MWGE; Shrub and Short tree vegetation in SSE are identified and
described in some extent As vegetation of Alatish is self recovering minimizing over use and controlling
inimical to park management objectives may only required to rehabilitate the natural set of vegetation in
Alatish.
.
On the other hand the associated wild life species were identified which indicate the extreme diversity
but low viability due to extreme hunting, devastation, fragmentation and competition of their habitats in
dray season. Alatish, then, identified as vast natural habitat and home of various type of wild animal. 37
mammalian species of which 8 area not recently (last 15 years) seen, 204 bird species of 143s diversity
and abundance is studied, 23 species of rodents and 6 species of insectivores and 7 types of reptiles and
amphibians with various species are found. Some species like rodents Myomys albipes and Desmomys
harringtoni endemic in highland forests of Ethiopia are found in Alatish. Some species C. flovescens,
C.turba and C. fumosa which are not recorded below 1500masl are also abundant in Alatish. Three
shrew species are also newly described in Alatish.

From all the process of situation, stakeholder and problem analysis of the socioeconomic study of
Alatish National Park, there have been issues which are considered to be top priorities. These top
outstanding issues are here considered for an immediate consideration and treatment, where otherwise
they are not immediately treated, they might lead for more devastation and depletion of the resources,
and ultimately the destruction of the park.

Moreover, institutional communication and collaboration among stakeholder is at infant stage and some
activities still exist as inimical to management objectives of the park. Weak institutional and legal
stabilization and implementation on resources conservation management and control issue is manifested
in its effects observed in buffer zone, and inside the park to some extent; for example, people are
observed having farm lands around indicates a resource will be depleted soon.

The make up and capacity of the institutional and legal framework of the Alatish Park office is not again
in a way it can control and manage all resource of the Park. So the grass root community is not
promoted towards the appropriate and integrated conservation and use patterns. The legal and
institutional sectors are not clear on their mandates on the management of the park and also weak
institutional linkages and capacity at all levels. There is confusion and overlap between the settlers
farmland demarcation and the buffer zone on park delineation. These needs to be solved, otherwise this
will give hint to the adjacent people to abuse the park territories with the name of property rights.
Moreover, the utilization system and management variation of core and buffer zones should be clear to
the local community and kebele Authorities.

Though, Alatish is rich in type of wild animals they are few in number of each species except less
threaded birds. It is very difficult to view many of animals frequently as they are disturbed and suffered
from excessive overgrazing by Fellata nomads, hunting, firing and seasonal water shortage. The
outstanding issues and priorities are the issue of Fellata Nomads what the Regional and National
Government have to take a decision as long as they are the group who are 99% threats of the core area
of the park at the moment. Unless this is to be given a solution; they will create and provoke
unnecessary competition with the local community and they may stand in the contrary of existing
interest on park establishment.

Management systems of the park required to be geared in the way for improvement of ecosystem
components and ERVs and their feature as they are the major source of values and are particular
biophysical resources of Alatish on which conservation and utilization effort concerned. Management
for maintaining this outstanding natural setting for the benefit of local and national may ensures early
rehabilitation and sustainability of the values of the park.

Even though, ecosystem disturbance is severe at the centre of the park because of various illegal
activities like poaching and habitat destruction performed by Fellata, the park is still with an intact
habitat with fewer disturbances by the local residents at its periphery. However, in some parts such as
the north eastern part problems of encroachment by local residents and/or by investors were also
observed. The park did not have enough buffer zones, and interference of people within the buffer zone
is increasing due to population explosion of the area because of immigration of non native residents
from other parts of the Region.

The major threats and determinants of the abundant population of the park which need urgent solution
are overgrazing of Fellata nomads, firing, Seasonal water shortage, high temperature and hunting.
Reducing these threats, application of suggested ecosystem as source of intervention sites help to
implement forwarded solutions with possible opportunities that enhance the present commitment of park
management endeavor at all level.

This assessment only tried to show a drop of possible direction for social, ecological, land use, spatial
distribution and status of vegetation and associated wildlife for better management of the park. Further
and detail works and scientific investigations are required and forwarded as strategic recommendation
and research issues. The park management and ecological intervention requires cross sectorial and
participatory approach. As ecological units and natural settings of the park believed to be inherently the
wealth of the people involving all relevant stakeholders at all level for decision develops the sense of
ownership and commitment to accomplish respective activities of stakeholder..

It is really clear the Activities of park management and involvement of relevant stakeholders requires
planned and listed guiding document or GMP which emanated from the demand of conservation and
sustainable utilization principles of protected areas of national park based on recent information and data
analysis in which this study targeted to discussed and presented to be used as a spring board for
development of GMP.

9.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

The most and urgent task of park rangers, woreda and kebele administrative units collaborating with
residents are to implement prohibiting devastative Fellata nomads activities through negotiation and
developing awareness primarily develop willingness to drive out, otherwise it is illegal to use park
resources beyond legally delineated management objectives. There is an opportunity to accomplish this
task. Fellata are getting in to Alatish in October and drive out in June using only two entrance and exit in
the south west and north direction of the park. Blocking this entrance get in October and November will
cease the devastative impact of Fellata on Alatish natural ecosystem components. Mobilization of local
communities and indigenous people will be efficient at the same time develop their significant role in
park management.

Detail investigation of socioeconomic and ecological resources units that cause conflict between park
management and local community requires further investigation and collaborative work. The utilization
level and method of ecological resources of the buffer zone by the local community and exact boundary
should be delineated. At the same time community awareness on the level of park management and
utilization of buffer zone promotes responsible management. Hence, the reformulation and capacitating
of the institutional and legal bodies and stakeholders will be vital.

The possible utilization system of some ecological units from the core area that are abundant and vanish
with its own and replaced could be utilized reconciling with utilization and conservation system of these
component. For instance, collection of dried bamboo both on buffer and excess in the core areas with
planned activities and pre organized groups of the community groups taking responsibility for activities
beyond agreement.

Frequent monitoring and assessment of ecological resources and activities inimical to ecological
resources should be rearranged with relevant stakeholders at required time. This may involve frequent
watching of poachers, illegal farmers and situation of wildlife. Wildlife inventory and establishing
quantified figure of viable population of higher mammals.

The possible access of important ecological sites should be facilitated, water points, observation sites
and campsites that could be used as pointers of attractions. Internal roads and other infrastructure should
be delineated in the way they are not haphazardly affecting natural settings of important wildlife use
habitats and adjacent areas. .

Continue to support income-generating activities in a way it can help the community have economic
capabilities and all round enhancement in both social and level of living conditions providing adequate
social services. Aware of the community on the issues of the effects of population pressure on resources,
and enhance reproductive health services too.

Park conservation, in establishing a better institutional and legal framework at national, regional and
local and community level: implementing the strategy of institutional strengthening to Improve and
modernize the legal and technical framework for managing, developing and protecting park resources to
meet the needs of current and future generations.

Review relevant existing legislative provisions to remove potential duplications, omissions, enable
effective implementation of the transitional and final institutional frameworks; publicize new legislation
and regulations based on the review of the previous to provide for enhanced Park management,
including clearly defining the roles, responsibilities and powers of sub-sector institutions and
organizations.

Specifically, the park official collaboration with woreda administration, kebele authorities and local
community supported by PaDPA and other regional, national and international relevant stakeholders the
following activities should be implemented..
Raise awareness amongst stakeholders through integrated, multi-sectorial planning
Empower the Park Council at all level in the Woreda and opportunities for implementation of
planned activities by respective stack holder and action if not applied. ..
Raise awareness on the best use and conservation of the park resources; and apply economic and
administrative instruments.
Improve coordination and participation of stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and
management scheme of the park s.
Expand, encourage, assist and capacitate community organizations like Park conservation
taskforce, and land administration committee
Identify sector needs at all levels in terms of staffing and skills requirements
Identify special interests, training and capacity building needs of the different groups in the
management of the park through human resources development plan for building staff capacities in
park management at all levels
Make clear discussions with the Neighboring Gedarif Region Authorities about their effects, and
the way they can be aware
Enhance an integrated border security system. Make regular check up and control during the time
of immigration in two sides.
Make all local community to provide information on that their movement is illegal and every one
needs to be responsible on giving such information for in any suitable way.
Have alliance with Dindir National Park
Develop strategy to enhance facilities, infrastructures in the better way of service provision
Develop the capacity of the park officers
Enhance the park access roads, water points, observation sites and spectacular settings
Design and implement ETV promotion about the Park and conservation values to develop
awareness
Facilitate office build up for the Park, guest houses and campsites for both tourists and study team

Detailed studies should be conducted by different scholars. The local people and their impact on the
park, the importance of the park to the local communities and the parks biota and other resources in
general should be studied in detail. More research is needed about the values of plants and animals to the
local people in particular, their diversity, trends, potential threats and opportunities. Therefore it is time
to invite different researchers and students to visit the newly established park, Alatish, the green guard
we have in Quara.

Prohibited fishing gears like using Birbira (Milletia ferruginea), Lalo (Balanites egyptiaca) and the most
destructive way of fishing have to be restricted before mass destruction of fish and other living things in
the water.. Therefore, immediate assessment and awareness creation should be done towards this end.
Preservative methods and transporting facilities for fishermen should be designed to enable them to sell
their catch in areas where price of fish is attractive.

Deforestation of the riparian forest will be an ultimate event by the newly settled farmers taken from
most exploited areas to the virgin ones, where those rivers are found, then for cropping and livestock
production activities those important flora species for the existence of fish species grown on the bank of
rivers hanging over their branches at pooled water body will be damaged, therefore, attentions should be
given to conserve them.

Finally, undertake the immediate revision of the study document and screen out the very immediate
concerns of the park and start some interventions which are highly needed right now particularly in
establishing over all guiding document which is GMP. Urgently, over all activities of the park
management should be guided with effective GMP that could be improved with the development output
of park management effectiveness.


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ANNEXES
APPENDIX 1. Fish species and pectorial representation

Labeo niloticus: Forsskll 1775 (Fig. 8) Labeo forskalii Rppel, 1836 (Fig. 9).

Fig. 8 Lateral view of L. niloticus. A. Lateral view of L. forskalii B. Lateral view of L. forskalii
Fig. 9 A and B Lateral view of L. forskalii.
Labeobarbus bynni (Forsskl, 1775) (Fig. 10)


Fig. 10 Lateral view of L. bynni

Labeobarbus intermedius (Banister, 1973) (Fig. 11)

A. Lateral view of L. intermedius B. Lateral view of L. intermedius
Fig. 11 A and B Lateral view of L. intermedius.

Labeobarbus nedgia(Rppell,1836) (Fig.12). Labeobarbus degeni (Boulenger, 1902) (Fig. 13)

Fig.12. Lateral view of L. nedgia Fig. 13 Lateral view of L. degeni

Labeobarbus crassibarbis (Nagelkerke, 1997) (Fig. 14)

Fig. 14. Lateral view of L. crassibarbis Fig. 16 Dorsal view of C. gariepinus
Malapterurus electricus (Gmelin, 1789) (picture not available)


Schilbe intermedius (Rppell, 1832) (Fig. 15)

Fig. 15 Lateral view of S. intermedius,
Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Fig. 16)

Heterobranchus longifilis (Valenciennes, 1840) (Fig. 17)

A. B.
Fig. 17 A and B Lateral view of H. longifilis.
Bagrus bajad (Forsskal, 1775) (Fig. 18) Bagrus docmak (Forsskll, 1775) (Fig. 19)


Fig. 18 Lateral view of B. bajad. Fig. 19 Lateral view of B. docmak.

Auchenoglanis biscutatus (Geoffroy saint-Hilaire, 1809) (Fig. 20)

Synodontis serratus (Ruppell, 1829) (Fig. 21)


Fig. 20 Lateral view of A. biscutatus Fig. 21 Lateral view of S. serratus.
Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Fig. 22)

A. Lateral view of S. schall. B. Ventral view of S. schall.
Fig. 22 Lateral and Ventral view of S. schall

Citharinus latus (Muller and Troschel, 1845) (Fig. 23)

Fig. 23 Lateral view of C. latus

Hydrocynus forskahlii (Cuvier, 1819) (Fig. 24)

Fig. 24 Lateral view of H. forskahlii

Alestes baremoze (de Joannis, 1835) (Fig. 25)

Fig. 25 Lateral view of A. baremoze

Brycinus macrolepidotus (Valenciennes, 1849) (Fig. 26) Brycinus nurse (Rppell, 1832) (Fig. 27)

Fig. 26 Lateral view of B. macrolepidotus Fig. 27 Lateral view of B. nurse
Lates niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 28)

Fig. 28 Lateral view of L. niloticus


Oreochromis niloticus: (Linnaeus, 1757) (Fig. 29).

A. Lateral view of O. niloticus B. Lateral view of O. niloticus
Fig. 29 A and B Lateral view of O. niloticus.

Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) (Fig. 30) Mormyrus hasselquistii (Valenciennes, 1846) (Fig.
31)

Fig. 30 Lateral view of H. niloticus. Fig. 31 Lateral view of M. hasselquistii
.
Mormyrus kannume (Forsskll 1775) (Fig. 32) Mormyrus caschive (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 33)

Fig. 32 Lateral view of M. kannume Fig. 33 Lateral view of M. caschive

APPENDIX2:LISTS OF PARTICIPANTS IN FIELD ASESSMENT

1. Berehanu Gebere: General Manager of Parks Development and Protection Authority
(PaDPA), P.O.B. 1317, Bahir Dar Ethiopia, Tele: 0918340139,
2. Abraham Marye: Ecosystem Expert, Amhara National Regional State (ANRS), Parks
Development and Protection Authority (PaDPA) , P.O.B. 1317, Bahir Dar Ethiopia, Tele:
0918709457, E. mail: abrahammarye@yahoo.com
3. Daregot Berihun: Economist, Lecturer, Bahir Dar University, Department of Economics, Tel.
00251918768130, E-mail: daregot21@yahoo.com
4. Dessalegn Ejigu: Zoologist, Lecturer Bahir dar University Tele: 0918769703, E-mail
dessalegnejigu@yahoo.com
5. Derje Tewabe: Researcher, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute
(ARARI) Bahir Dar Fishery Research Center Tele: 0911991164
6. Tesfaye Mekonen: Land Use Expert, ANRS, Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development
(BOARD), BahirDar, Tele 0918718320
7. Anteneh Dagnaw: GIS Expert, Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use
Authority (EPLAUA), Tele: 0911969008
8. Gezachew Gebeyehu: Park Manager, Alatish national park, Alatish
9. Asmare Goshu: Technical team leader, Alatish National Par
10. Eyaya Aserat: Administration and Security Affairs, Quara District
11. Gashaw Mekonen: Park Scout, Alatish National Park
12. Aleme Alebachew: park Scout, Alatish National park
13. Salah Belay: Park Scout, Alatish National Park
14. Hamis Alfine; Local guide, Alatish National Park
15. Ezedine Belay: Local Guide, Alatish National Park

APPENDIX3:KeyInformantscontactedinthefield
Name Institution Responsibility
1 GizachewGebeyehu AlatishN.Poffice Manager
2 AsmareGoshu AlatishN.Poffice TeamLeader
3 BayelignZeray QuaraWoredaAdm. Head
4 NegaTeffera QuaraWoredaAdm. V/Head
5 MelesseBirhanu QuaraWoredaEdd.Off Expert
6 WorkuLijayen QuaraWoredaEdd.Off Expert
7 JebrilYesuf QuaraWoredaHealth.Off V/Head
8 SalihBelay MehadidPA Scout
9 GashawMekkonen AlatishN.Poffice Scout
10 KassaKerkawi BambahoBiwa LocalResident
11 EndihnewSiraw BambahoBemur LocalResident
12 SelamawitDesalegn MarwehaPA HealthExtension
13 MengistuBerie BermilPA Nurse
14 AskalSisay BermilPA HealthExtension
15 EhitHilu BermilPA HealthExtension
NoofPeopleParticipatedinFGD
1 MarwehaPA 35(5F,30M)
2 DizaGumuzPA 51(F=10,M=41)
3 Bermil 15(M=15)
4 Mehadid 28(F=8,M=20)


APPENDIX4:Sites for multipurpose services outside the park
No Site Name Coordinate UTM
Adinden
Dominant feature
of the park
Direction and
approximate
ground distance
from Park
boarder
Service rendered for
the park
1 Gelegu 0815295 1351985 Capital of Quara
Woreda
Northeast outside
the park 14km
Administrative and main
office
2 Derahasen
Village Northeast 8km Monitoring /Education
3 Mehadid Kebele residence
Cultivated Land
Northeast 5 km Main entry point camp
and post site
4 Workit near
Bemur hill
Bambaho
0810019 1341390 Village residence and
cultivated
Eastern 8km Monitoring /Education
5 Bambahoo Kebele residence
and infrastructure
Eastern 11km Education
6 Abajilajjil 0810528

1331455 River Course of
Ayima
South Eastern
7km
Watering/Fishing
/Education wildlife
corridor
7
Mossa
Badema
0796880 1378915 Kebele Center out of
the park
North 11km Education
8
Bermel village 0814058 1337256 Kebele Center out of
the park
North 1.5 km Monitoring /Education
9
Gerara Village
residence/cultivated
Northeast 5km Monitoring /Education

APPENDIX5:Post sites, Observation and Water points

No Site Name Coordinate UTM
Adinden
Service provided by
the site
Direction
from the
Park
Key Ecological
Attribute
X Y
1
Bayiwa 0809496 1334082 Post site/water point South east Scrubland
2 Workit 0810019 1341390 Proposed Post site East Scrubland
3 Derahasen Post site East
4 Mehadid Post site/Water point Northeast Wooded
5
Gerara 0794980

1369024
Post site/water point North eastern Wooded grassland
5
Yelkuk 0785178 1360590 Post site/Water point North central Wooded grasslands
6
Megenagna 0790246 1350061 Post site/Water point Central Riverine Alatish and
Nigela rivers
junction)
7

Demir River 0814812 1349330
Proposed Post site Central Scrubland
8
Tsequa
Proposed post site South central Mixed vegetation
9
Amrakuba/Ber
mel
0795109

1371743 Post site/Water point North Shrubs and Scrub
lands
10
Amejalie near
Gelegu river
0786754

1382613
Proposed Post site North Riverine and
seasonal wetlands
11

Amdok hill 0761962

1350577 Proposed post site West Wooded
/grasslands
12
Alemetani hill 0756329

1331618 Proposed post site West Wooded
grasslands
13
Omedila 0747490

1320502 Proposed post site South West Riverine/ Wooded
grasslands
14
Balankure 0751169

1315768
Proposed Post site South Riverine
15
Hymenshmesh 0750876

1305777
Proposed Post site South Riverine
16
Kuseli 0764340

1304374
Proposed Post site South Riverine
17
Ayigumba 0765441

1304910
Proposed Post site South Riverine
18
Abunta 0777969

1304476
Proposed Post site South East Riverine
19
Ayibeza 0781073

1321151
Proposed Post site Eastern Riverine
20 Albid hill 0806787 1339138 Observation point Eastern Shrubs and Scrub
lands
21 Bemure hill
top
Observation point Eastern Shrubs and Scrub
lands
22
Derahasen
Berenta Afafe
0801535

1350253
Observation point Eastern Shrubs and Scrub
lands
23
Abamerafa hill
top
0801063

1358714
Observation point Eastern Shrubs and Scrub
lands
24
Bermel/Amraku
ba at the top
0795109

1371743
Observation point North Shrubs and Scrub
lands
25
Dinnar hill top 0791465 1370080
Observation point North Shrubs and Scrub
lands
26 Amitish hill
Observation point Central North Shrubs and Scrub
lands
27
Amdok hill 0761962

1350577 Observation point West Mixed Wooded
grasslands
28 Alemetani hill 0756329

1331618 Observation point West Mixed Wooded
grasslands
29 Omedila hill top 0746114 1431431 Observation point Southwest Shrub and Scrub
bland

APPENDIX6: Designed Road Networks of Alatish
No Direction of road Distance
1 Mehadid Demir Omedela 77km
2 Mehadid Aybeza 51
3 Mehadid Ayibeza- Hyminimish 108
4 Demir Dinar Amejalie 48
5 Mehadid Amjalie 28
6 Amejalie omedeila 85
7 Demir Amdok 27
8 Mehadid Gelegu 15
Total 388
Alatish National Park Proposed Out posts And Roads

Fig. 1. Proposed road net work for ALNP

APPENDIX7: Spectacular Sites and Ecosystems and point maps

No Site Name Coordinate UTM
Adinden
Service
provided by
the site
Direction
from the
Park
Major Ecosystem

1 Ardeba 0787779 1350161
Traditional
Water trough
Central
along
Alatish
Riverine and Wetland
2

3 Sahul 0816707 1358875
Traditional
Water trough
Central Riverine and Wetland
4 Albashome 0791812 1340953
Traditional
Water trough
Eastern
Alatish
Riverine and Wetland
5 Dendero 0800155 1342399
Traditional
water trough
Eastern Riverine and Wetland
6 Agazen Minich 0792820 1356403
Greater Kudu North East Mixed Wooded Grasslands
7 Alatish River
Bed
0788961 1349492
Golden Sandy Central Riverine and Wetland
8 Gumzmaf 0788573 1348709
Lion Central Riverine and Wetland
9 Yejart Sheleko 0782777 1356551
porcupines North East Mixed Wooded Grasslands
10 Shifat 0800437 1329413
Antelope/Elep
hant
Central to
South
Mixed Wooded Grassland
11 Balankure 0750922 1315289
Fishing Southwest Riverine and Wetland
12 Demir-
Almetania
0778244 1335262
Elephant
Western Flood
Plain
Mixed Wooded Grassland
13 Abnun 0754042 1339672
Traditional
Water trough
Western
wetland
Riverine and Wetland
14 Almetania 0755872 1339672
Buffallo Western Mixed Wooded Grassland
15 Around Kuter 18 0786158 1380967
Ostrich/ Patas
monkey
North Mixed Wooded Grassland
16 Between Kuter
18 and 19
0786080 1380731
Buffer zone
Deforestation
North Mixed Wooded Grassland
17 Between Kuter
19 and 20
0785949 1382087
Cultivated
buffer Zone
North Mixed Wooded Grassland
18 Amjalie Sambri
one
0785418 1382322
Fishing North Riverine and Wetland
20 Amejalie Sambri
two
0785326 1382481
Fishing North Riverine and Wetland
22 Amjalie Sambri
three
0784153 1384026
Fishing North Riverine and Wetland
23 Between 19 and
20
0785161 1382736
Deforestation North Riverine and Wetland
Buffer zone
24 Omedila For
Emperor
Hailesilasie
for 7 days
0747171 1320162
Historical Southwest Riverine Hewn Tree
Bedroom and Palace
25 Omedila village 0745862 1321254
Fishing Southwester
n
Riverine and Wetlands
20 Albid hill 0806787 1339138 Reptile Eastern Shrubs and Scrub lands
21 Bemure hill
top
Leopared Eastern Shrubs and Scrub lands
22
Derahasen
Berenta Afafe
0801535

1350253
Lion Eastern Shrubs and Scrub lands
23
Abamerafa hill
top
0801063

1358714
Leopard Eastern Shrubs and Scrub lands
24
Amrakuba at the
top
0795109

1371743
Boswellia p. North Shrubs and Scrub lands
25
Dinnar hill top 0791465 1370080
Greater Kudu North Shrubs and Scrub lands
26 Amitish hill
Ostrich Central North Shrubs and Scrub lands
27
Amdok hill 0761962

1350577 Terminalia tree West Mixed Wooded grasslands
28 Alemetani hill 0756329

1331618 Bufallo West Mixed Wooded grasslands
Note: Some coordinates are taken from near by sites.

Fig.2: Resource Point Location Map of Alatish national Park


Fig.3 Spectacular Sits point Location Map of Alatish national Park

APPENDIX 8: trees and shrub Plant species of Alatish, local use and distribution

No Amharic
name
Scientific name Arabic Gumez Agew-
Awi
Special use Use plant
habit
Distributio
n
Major habitat
1 Guza Gungusie
s
Gieye Food/Frut Tree Abandant
2 Humer
/Horoka
Tamaridus indica Ardeva Degu Food/ Fruit Tree Rare Riverine/Wetland
3 Serkin Diospyros mespliformis Yekan Terege Tree Rare Riverine
4 Enkoyie Ximenia americana Enkowoy
ie
Hie tree Rare Scrub
5 Arka /Gaba Zizipus spina-christ Nebege Sere Shur/Tre
e
Abundant Riverine/Wet
6 Aiiguangua Agemo Bedang
e

7 Wanza Cordia africana Genbel Gengi Zanie Rare Woodedland
8 Bamba Ficus sycomorous Jemiza Feke Abundant Riverine/Scrub
9 Chibha Acacia nilotica Jemiza Yesie Tree Rare Riverine
10 Lejlej Laloba kota
11 Abeterie Ziziphus mauritiana Nebegelf
el
Hango Tree Abundant Riverine/Scrub
12 Selen Borassus aethiopum Dome Denkor Handcraft/All Shurb/T
ree
Abundant Riverine
13 Meker Boswellia papyrifera Gefel Ketie Frankincense Tree Abundant Scrub
14 Shemel Oxytenanthera abyssinica Algena Enetie Simti Handcraft,
Construction
/Stem
Grass Abundant Scrub/Wooded
15 Gemarda Kakmot Nek Gemardi
e
Gum/By
product
Tree Abundant Wooded/Scrub
16 Dokema Syzygium guineense Sewi Dokmi Food/Fruit Tree Abundant
/Ayma
Riverine/Scrub
Albid
17 Chameda Combritum aculeatum Senk Senk Chamini Furniture/
Forage
Tree Abundant All Ecosystems
18 Zobi Dalbergia melanaxylon Babuns Zhengir Zoba construction Shurub/
Tree
Abandant Scrub/Wooded
19 Zana Stereospermumkunthianum Pur Pur Zani Clay opt/Ash Tree Abandant Rverine/Scrub
20 Wonbela Piliostigma thonninyi Behur Gefela Wanbli Construction/Co
smetic
smoke/stem
Tree Abundant Wooded
21 Abalo Comretum molle Egum Bore Smoking
Milking
materials/stem
Tree Abundant Wooded
22 Chariya Pilhecellobium duice Mire Chari Construction/Fo
rage stem/leaf
Tree Abundant Scrub/Riverine
23 Kerekera Enogysis leocarpa Silk Sege Construction/Fo
rage stem/leaf
Tree abundant Riverine
24 Gerar Key Acacia seyal Telih Telih Gayira Charcoal/stem/
Construction
bark
tree Different
species
Wooded/Wetland
25 Fora Combretum
harotomannianum
Ref Forahi Osmotic/smoke tree Abundant Wooded
26 Gekila Sefir Sefir Gebeli Construction/Fu
rniture
Tree Abundant Wooded
27 Sumaya Grewia bicolor Bshem Bshem Sumi Construction,
handle/stem
Shrubs/t
ree
Rare Scrub/Riverine
28 Abangew
i
Kodi Handle/Stem
Fruit / food
Shrubs/t
ree
Rare Scrub/Riverine
29 Yekest
inchet
PePe Handle for
spear/steam
Shrubs Abundant Riverine/Wetland
30 Beteremusie Mijamo Food/Fruit/hand
le/spear
Shrub Abundant Wooded
31 Dawuda Piliostigmathonningii Abhamir Meche Food/Fruit,
Construction/ba
Tree Abundant River/Wooded
rk
32 Darelie Sterculia africana Muu Sites for
Beehive,
construction/bar
k
Tree Abundant Riverine/Scrub
33 Enekure Derub Derub Anekuari
e
Construction/St
em
Tree Abundant Wooded
34 Rohu Food/Fruit Tree Abundant Wooded
35 Folla Lannea fruticosa Bibiloti Kuts Kelanbu Food/Root for
Elephant
Tree Abundant Wooded
36 Sefera Melela Forage for
Antelopes/leaf
Shrub Abundant Wooded
37 Lenkuata Grewa villosa Gedie Medicinal/ bark Shrub Abundant Wooded
38 Ashama Esheman Huyie Ashamie Food/Fruit Shrubs/
Tree
Rare Riverine
39 Degunguna Terche
nga
Tree Rare Wooded
40 Ayimie Farm
implement
Tree Abundant Riverine
41 Abhamid Enkolib Food/Fruit Shrub abundant Wooded
42 Tekur Gerar Algered/
Lunut
Algede
d
Medicine/Lubri
cant/Fruit
Tree Abundant Scru/Wooded
43 Dibker Aub Cosmetic shed/
Leaf
Tree Abundant Wooded
44 Cheb Shade Shrubs Abundant Scrub/Wooded
45 Goregoro Dichrostchachys cincrea Egume Construction/St
em
Shrubs Abundant Scrub
46 Gird Food/Fruit Shrubs Abundant Wooded
47 Surie Food/Fuit Shrubs Abundant Wooded
48 Shishina Kelinbi Tooth
Burush.Shoot/st
em
shrub Abundant Wooded
49 Temenahi Terbiqo Abuli Detergent/Bark Tree Rare Scrub/Riverine
50 Befefi Medicine for
Epilepsies /Root
Shrub Rare Wooded
51 Warka Ficus vasta Shade/Leaf tree Rare Riverine/Scrub
52 Sholla Ficus sur Shade/Food/Fru
it
Tree Rare Rivern/Scrub
53 Deza` Adonsonia digitata Diza Construction
Equipment/Foo
d/leaf
Tree Rare Scrub/Riverine
54 Bedeno Balantites aegyptiaca Lalo Shed/Forage/Fis
hing All
Tree Rare Wooded
55 Birbira Millttia ferruginea Fishing tree Rare Riverine along
Ayima
56 Gumoro Capparis tomentosa Forage Shrubs Rare Scrub/Riverine
57 Eshe Mimusops kummel Food/fruit tree Rare Riverine
58 Konter Acacia senegal Forage Tree/Shr
ub
Abundant Wooded/Scrubland
s
59 Sefa Grewia bicolor Hand tools Shrubs/t
ree
Rare Scrublands
60 Tobiaw Calotropis procera Medicine for
animals
Shrub rare Scrub and
riverside
61 Dulata Intada africana Enktse Forage
Elephant/ all
Tree Abundant Wooded/Scrub
62 Gerar Acacia Polyacanths Forage Tree Rare Wooded/
Grassland
63 Kerira Anogeissus leiocarpa Forage tree Abundant Wooded/Scrub
64 Girar Acacia nilotica Forage Small
tree
Abundant Seasonal wetland
65 Ankua Commiphora africana Forage Tree Abundant Scrubland
66 Wulkefa Dombeya quingueseta Construction Shrub Rare Riverine
67 Quara Erythrina brucei Construction Tree Rare Scrubland
68 Chameda Combretum collinum Forage Tree Abundant Wooded
69 Aballo Combretum molle Forage/Milking Tree Abundant Wooded
70 Dimo gerar Dichrostachys cinerea Forage Shrub Abundant Scrub
71 Warka Ficus glumosa Forage/Fruit Tree Abundant Riverine
72 Gambilo Gardinia ternifolia Fuel Tree Abundant Scrub/riverine
T4 Yekola
Wanza
Gardenia ternifolia Forage/Edible Tree Rare Woodland
75 Afetete Kigelia aethiopium Forage Shrub Rare Shrub/wooded
76 Chariya Pterocarpus lucens Construction Tree Abundant Riverine
79 Dengayie
seber
Vangueria apiculata Food/fruit Tree Rare Riverine
80 Hamija Lanchocarpus laxifiora Forage Tree Abundant Wooded
81 Yekok
Enchet
Allophylus macrobutrys Forage Tree Abundant wooded
82 Dengayi
seber
Pittosporum virdifolium Forage/food Tree Rare Riverine
83 Mok/ekema Terminalia brawnii Construction Tree Rare Scrubland
84 Duduna Lannea chimperi Forage Tree Abundant Scrubland
APPENDIX 9: Grass species of Alatish their local use and distribution

No Amharic
name
Scientific name Arabic Gumez Dtsen Special use plant
habit
Distribution Major habitat
1 Topaz Hyparrhenia
cynescence
Buus Buus Semiti Constraction Midium
thin
Limited
Areas
Open
Wooded/grasslands
2 Jingera Hyparrhenia
subplumosa
Korkubi Korkumbi ALgizie Construction Medium
thin
Limited
Area
Open Wooded/Wet
land
3 Senbelet Sorghum versicolor Gisase construction Medim
thin
Limited Open wooded
Grasslands
4 Gosh Boda Sorghum sudeanesis Kertsitsi Forage Medium
Broad
Abundant Wooded land
5 Serdo Berded Berded Chewchewa Forage Creeping Limited River/Wetland
6 Gemeshanka Pennietum unistem Seresera Forage/
Construction
Medium Limited Wooded Grassland
7 Yewuha Teras Forage Short Limited Wetlands
Enkure
8 Keilo Sorghum
arundiaceum
Adare Adare Forage Long leafy Most areas Riverine/Wet and
wooded land
9 Gejem Andropogon
gayanus
Morib Moreb Forage Long thin
leaf
Limitd Riverine/Wetlands
10 Siza Echinochloe spp. Bagero Bechalie Forage Medium Abundant Wooded/Grasslands
11 Yewof sar Eragrostis tremula Forage Small Abundant Open wooded
12 Hyparrhenia rufa Forage medium Abundant Open wood
13 Hyperthelia
dissoluta
Forage Medium Abundant Wooded
14 Loudetio
arundinacea
Forage Long Abundant Riverine
15 Ochna leucophloeos Forage Long Abundant Riverine
16 Pennisteum
schweinfurthii
Forage Medium Abundant Wooded
17 Rottboellia
cochinchinensis
Forage Medium Abundant Wooded
APPENDIX 10: Herbal Food and Medicinal Plant Species of Alatish their local use and distribution

N
o
Amharic
name
Scientific
name
Arabic Gumez Agew/A
wi
Special use Plant
habit
Distribution Major habitat
1 Sinsa Amjeko yeche Sinsiya Food/Root Climbing Abundant Riverine/Woode
d
2 Amebako Amdelie Food/root herb Abundant Wooded/Riverin
e
3 Sinko Wayika Bkor Sinko Food Spice/leaf herb Abundant Wooded/cultivat
ed
4 Kudra Bilbenda Food/leaf herb Abundant Riverine/Wetlan
ds
5 Rijila Rijila Food/leaf herb Abundant Riverine/Wetlan
d
6 Seleselie Halgum Tseter Food/leaf herb Abundant Riverine/
Wetland
7 Waleta Teremegne Food/Medicine
for malaria/leaf
Herb Abundant Riverine/Woode
d
8 Gizewa Shalob Medicinal
common cold,
and Infection
Herb Abundant Wooded/Riverin
e
10 Deheani Anchirie Medicine/root Herb Abandant Wooded/Woode
d
11 Alatishi Bayie Anti pain/leaf
root
Herb/climb
ing
Abundant Wooded/Scrub
12 Alberish Food/leaf row Broad
circular
leaf
Rare Scrub/wooded
13 Chamblie Seat Food/Cooked root Herb/climb
er
Rare Riverine/Woode
d
14 Mera Ala amera Hamera Food/Leaf herb Abundant Woded/Riverine
15 Bebek Food/Seed Herb Abandant Wooded/Scrub
15 Amjere Mejer Food/Cooked root herb Abundant Riverine/Woode
d
16 Shewasiw
it
Dagesa Atseqo Causes for
unconsciousness
Herb Rare Not known
River/Wooded
17 Babune Kese Food/root Herb/climb Rare Wooded/reverine
18 Leza Baei Nectar/Flower Climbing Abundant Wooded
19 Yeaheya
Abesh
Amtakshu Kfil Food/Leaf Climbing Abundant Wooded/Wetlan
d
20 Engudayie Zoma Kuji Food /all Fungal Rare Wooded/Scrub
21 Yanbesa
Sega
Temleka Temleks Food/leaf Herbal Abundant Riverine/Woode
d
22 Embacho Antsegien Food/Stem Climb/Her
b
Abundant In all areas
23 Yebed Food/leaf Herb Abundant Wooded/Riverin
e
24 Gecha Mezew Mezew Cosmotic/all part Herb Abundant Weland/Reverin
e
25 Kegogeda Anti Headche Herb Abundant Wooded
26 Kedekedie Kedekedie Kedekedie Spices/Tea
/Flower
Herb Rare Cultivated/Wode
d
27 Hygrophila
auriculata
forage Herb Abundant Open grasslad.
28
Solanium
incanium
Forage Herb Abundant Riverine
29 Gulo
Ricinus
communis
Oil/medicine Herb Rare Reverine

Note: Some species name may overlap and repeated further identification, ecological adaptation and vegetation cover extent studies are require.


APPENDIX 11: List of Mammalian Species in Alatish National Park
No
Common Name

Scientific Name
Local Names Remark
Amharic Agewgna Gumzigna Arabic
1 African elephant Loxodenta africana zihon Zoni piro Fil
2 Lion Pantra leo Anbesa Anabis Hi Ased
3 Leopard Pantra pardus Nebir Nabri Terew Nemir
4 Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros Agazen Agizni Gare Teytel
5 Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus Dikula Dikuli Digilu Erif
6 Warthog Phacochoerus africanus Kerkero ? Haluf Kaluf
7 Striped hyaena/
Spotted hyaena
Hyaena hyaena/
Crocuta crocuta

Jib Awi Gew/New Merfayn
8 Baboon Papio cynocephalus Zingero Jinjiri Mund Gird
9 Patta monkey Enythrocebus patas Keytota Toti Baza Abilaji
10 Vervet (green)monkey Cercopithecus aethiops Nechitota(?
)
Totaya(?) Jard(?) Ablajal(?)
local name
is not sure
11 Oribi Ourebia ourebi Feko Feku Yihu Kezal
12 Bohor Reed buck Redunca redunca Buher Bori Buher Buher
13 Diuker Sylvicapra grimmia Midakua Midikuy Dizilu Amdigdig
14 Serval Leptailurus serval Aner Anari Shaw Kedis
14 Porcupine Hystrix cristata(?)

Jart Gerech bashok Abshok
16 Pig Sus vittatus(?) Asama Asami Tirk Bidirug
17 Wild dog Lycaon pictus Tekula ? Laaw Abaawa
19 Aardvark Orycteropus after Faro(?) Fari(?) Tirkik(?) Abdolaf(?)
local name
is not sure
20 African civet Cirettictis civetta Tiregn ? Seru Kedis
21 ? ? Awuchign ? Lingu Kedrub
22 Slender mongoose Galerella sanguinea Mengoza Akaymi Adrubal Adrubal
23 ? ? Muchechila ? Kiyaw Seregidad
24 Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus Sesa
25 Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas Terakebero
26 Honey badger Mellivora capensis Marbela
27 African wild cat Felis silvestris Anere
28 Bush baby(*?) Galago senegalensis
29 Columbus Procolobus verus Gureza
30 Red fronted gazelle Gazella rufifron
30 Dorcas gazelle (*?) Gazella dorcas
31 Striped polecat (*?) Lctonyx striatus
32 Squirrel Euxenus erythropus Fote
33 Hook-lipped (black)
Rhinoceros (?*)
Diceros bicornis Awuraris
34 Giraffe (?*) Giraffa camelopardalis Kchinie
35 Buffalo (?*) Syncerus caffer Gosh
36 Roan Antelope (?*) Hipportagus equinus Chlebalega
mie

37 Hartebeest tora (?*) Acelaphus buselaphus
tora
Tora ? Laku Tetl
(?*) = Species which had been seen previously in the park but currently no adequate information is available (pers.comm.)



APPENDIX 12: List of Birds in Alatish National Park
N0 Common Name Scientific Name
1 Helmeted Guinefowl Numida meleagris
2 Secretary birds Sagittarius serpentarius
3 Ostrich Struthio camelus
4 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
5 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
6 Great crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
7 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
8 Long tailed Cormorant (?) Phalacrocorax africanus
9 Great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
10 Pink backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
11 African Darter Anhinga rufa
12 Western reef Egret Egretta gullaris
13 Little Egret Egretta garzetta
14 Great whit Egret Egretta alba
15 Yellow billed Egret Egretta intermedia
16 Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
17 Hamarkob Scopus umbretta
18 Marabou Leptoptilos crumeniferus
19 Hadada Bostrychia hageedash
20 Sacrid Ibis Threskiornis aethioptica
21 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
22 Spur winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
23 Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
24 Western honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
25 Black kite Milvus migrans
26 Black shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
27 African fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
28 Hooded vulture Necrosyrtes monachus
29 African harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus
30 Banded snake Eagle (?) Circaetus cinerascens
31 Short toed snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus
32 African white backed Vulture Gyps africanus
33 Rueppells Griffon Grys rueppellii
34 Lapped faced vulture Aegypius trachiotus
35 White headed vulture Aegypius occipitalis
36 Gabar Gosh awk Micronisus gabar
37 Dark Chanting Gosh awk Melierax metabates
38 Shikra Accipiter badius
39 Lizard buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
40 Long creseted Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
41 African Pygmy Falcon (?) Polihierax semitorquatus
42 Lesser Kestrel Falco tinnunculus


43 Clappertons Francolin Francolinus clappertoni
44 African finfoot Podica senegalensis
45 Common Pratincole Glareola pratincola
46 White winged black tern Chliodonias leucopterus
47 Speckled Pigeon Columba oliviae
48 White collar Pigeon Columba albitorques
49 Black billed wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus
50 Emerald spotted wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos
51 Namaua Dove Oena capensis
52 Red eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
53 African mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens
54 African collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea
55 Black winged Love bird (?) Agapornis swinderniana
56 Red headed Love bird (?) Agapornis pullaria
57 Brown Parrot Poicephalus meyeri
58 Senegal Coucal Centropus superciliosus
59 White browed Coucal l Centropus superciliosus
60 Blue headed Coucal Centropus manachus
61 African Emerald cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
62 Barnowl Tyto alba
63 Common scops Owl Otus scops
64 Pearl spotted Owl Glaucidium perlatum
65 African wood Owl (?) Strix woodfordii
66 Verreauxs Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus
67 Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus
68 Standard winged nightjar Macrodipteryx longipennis**
69 African pygmy kingfisher Halcyon chloris
70 Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristata
71 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
72 Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
73 Narinas trogon Apaloderma narina
74 Little bee eater Merops pusillus
75 Blue breasted bee eater Merops variegatus
76 Carmine bee eater Merops nubicus
77 White fronted bee eater Merops bullockides
78 White throated bee eater Merops albicollis
79 Little green bee eater Merops orientalis
80 Eurasian bee eater Merops apiaster
81 Hoopoe Upupa epops
82 Red billed hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus
83 Abyssinian ground hornbill Bucorvus obyssinicus
84 Nubian woodpecker Campethera nubica
85 Banded martin (?) Riparia cincta
86 Brown throated sand martin Riparia paludicola
87 Common sand martin Riparia riparia
88 Golden pipit Timetothylacus tenellus


89 White winged cliff chat Myrmecocichla semirufa
90 Common Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura
91 Black headed weaver Ploceus cucullatus
92 Spekes weaver Ploceus spekei
93 Yellow backed weaver Ploceus melanocephalus
94 Rueppells weaver Ploceus galbula
95 Chestnut weaver Ploceus rubiginosus
96 Spectacled Ploceus ocularis
97 Black necked weaver Ploceus nigricollis
98 Baglafecht weaver Ploceus baglafecht
99 Red cheeked cordon Uraeginthus bengalus
100 African citril Serinus citrinelloides
101 Abyssinian roller Coracias abyssinica
102 African drongo Dicrurus adsmilis
103 African fir finch Lagonostica rubricata
104 Acacia paradise whydaha Vidua paradisaea
105 African grey horn bill Tockus nasustus
106 African Hawake egle Hicraaetus splagaser
107 African open billed hornbill Anastomus lameligerus
108 Abdims stork Coconia abdimii
109 African paradise monarch Terpsiphone uiridis
110 African pied wagtail Motacilla aguimp
111 Abyssinian white eye Zosterops abyssinica
112 African singing bush lark Mirafra cantillans
113 African trush Trudus pelios
114 Agur Buzzard Vuteo rufofuscus
115 Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
116 Black headed gonolek Alsniarius erythrogaster
117 Black faced fire finch Lagonostica laruata
118 Black crowned crane Balearica pauonina
119 Black winged stilt Himantopus himantopus
120 Bronze tailed grossy starling Lamprotornis chalcurus
121 Black stork Ciconia nigra
122 Bare eyed thrush Turdus tephronotus
123 Blue capped cordon blue Uraeginthus cyanocephalus
124 Bush petronia Petronia brachydatyla
125 Brown rumped serin Serinus burtoni
126 Bar breasted fire finch Lagonostica rufopicta
127 Brices green pigeon Treron waalia
128 Buff belled warneler Phyllolais pulchella
129 Black winged red bishop Eupectes hordodeaus
130 Caspina plover Charadrius asiaticus
131 Calandra lark Melanocrypha bimaculate
132 Common bulbul Pycononotus barbatus
133 Common button quail Turmix syiuatica
134 Crulew sand piper Calideris ferruginea


135 Crowned lapwing Vannellus coronatus
136 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
137 Egyptian plover Pluuians aeyyptius
138 Familiar chat Cercomela familaris
139 Emerald spotted wood dove Turtur thalcospilos
140 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acncephalps scripaceus
141 Greater short toed lark Clanderlla brachgdatitia
142 Greater blue eared glossy starling Lamprotornins chalybeus
143 Grass hopper burrard Butastur rufipennis
144 Greater honey guide Indicator indicator
145 Green hood hoope Phoeniculus prupures
146 Greater spotted cukoo Clamator glanrius
147 Greater sand plover Charadrius leschenlatii
148 Grey heron Ardea cinera
149 Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea
150 Hartilabous bastard Neotis hagedash
151 Holguin's Francolin Francolinus icterorhynchus
152 Lesser Honey Guide Indicator minor
153 Little weaver Ploceus lueolus
154 Liechtensteins sand grous Ptenocles lichtensteinii
155 Little ringed plover Charadrius dublus
156 Little rush warbler Bradypterus baboecala
157 Laughing dove Streptopelia senagalensis
158 Long legged buzzard Butero rufinus
159 Long billed pipit Anthus simills
160 Moustached warbler Melocichla mentalis
162 Malanchite king fisher Alcedo cristata
163 Martial eagle Polemactus bellicosus
164 Mountail wagtail Motacilla clarn
165 Nightangle Lusinia megarhynchos
166 Nubian shrik Lannius mubicus
167 Norther black paradise flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides
168 Olive thrush Turdus oliuaceus
169 Olive flanked robin chat Cosspha anamala
170 Osprey Pandionpaliaetus
171 Pallid flycatcher Bradormis pallidus
172 Pied wagtail Monticlla alba
173 Plain backed pipit Anthus leucpirys
174 Purple headed glossy starling l Lamprotornis purpusreus
175 Red faced cist cola Cisticola eryhorps
176 Rose ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri
177 Red pate cist cola Cisticola ngombe
178 Rupples long tailed starling Lampratornis puprurpterus
179 Saddle billed strock Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
180 Scally francoline Francolinus squamatus
181 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus


182 Stone partridge Ptilopachus petrosus
183 Super winged lapwing Uanellus spinosus
184 Sand partridge Ammoperdix heyi
185 Square tailed drongo Dicnurus wdwingi
186 Tweny eagle Aquila rapax
187 Tree pipet Anthus trialis
188 Tawny Franked Prinia Prinia subflaua
189 Tropical baubou Laniacus ferrugineus
190 Tiny cist cola Cisticola anan
191 Yellow white eye Zustrops senegalensis
192 Yellow wagtail Motacila flaua
193 Yellow billied oxpecker Buphagus africanus
194 Yellow crowned bishop Euplectes afer
195 Water thicknee Burhinus uermiculatus
196 White belled Go way bird Corythaixoides leucogaster
197 White stork Ciconia ciconia
199 Winding cist cola Cisticola galactutes
200 White rumpled helmets shrike Eurocephalus ruppelli
201 West Nile bishop Eplectes capensis
202 Whine rumpled serine Serinus leucopygius
203 White backed duck Thatassornis leuconotus
204 Zetting cisticola Cistcola juncidis
Source: 101-204 Girma Mengesha/ 2005.

APPENDIX 13: List of reptiles in Alatish National Park (only some secies)
No
Common Name

Scientific
Name
Local Names
Amharic Agewgna Gumzigna Arabic
1 Python N.D Zendo
Zandi

Kelil

Asela
2 Alligator N.D Arjano
Arjani

Mod

Werel
3 Snakes N.D Ebab
Muri

Ho

Debib
4 Lizards N.D Enshilalit
5 Frogs N.D Gurte
6 Chameleon N.D Eseset
7 Crocodile N.D Azo
* More time is required to identify and observe more species of reptiles

APPENDIX 14: Rodents and insectivore of Alatish National Park
No Family Scientific name
1 Muridae Arbicanthis denbeensis
2 Arvcanthis niloticus
3 Desmomys harringtoni
4 Mastommys natalensis


5 Mastomys erythroleucus
6 Myomys albipes
7 Acomys cahiricus
8 Murid sp.B
9 Acomys wilsoni
10 Acomys cineraceus
11 Acomys sp.A.
12 Mus musculus
13 Mus tenellus
14 Lemniscomys barbarous
15 Murid sp. A
Crecitidae
16 Tatera valida
17 Tatera phillpsi
18 Tatera robusta
19 Crocidura flaveacence
20 Crocidura turba
Soricidae
21 Crocidura smith
22 Crocidura fumosi
23 Soricid sp A.
Erinaceidae
24 Atelerix albiventris
25 Euxerus erythropus
Sciuridae
26 Paraxerus ochraceus
27 Heliosciurus gambianus
28 Xerus rutilus
Hystricidae
29 Hystrix xristata

Source: Tadesse Habtamu, 2005.


APPENDIX 15: Field data sheet used for transect count
Date _______________
Surveyor:_______________________ Survey Site________________________
Latitude____________________________ Longitude______________________
Vegetation________________________ Human disturbance_____________________
Weather_________________________ Temperature_______________________
Observation time: starting time ______________end time______
additional Information:___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Species seen Number in the group Habitat type Remark



























APPENDIX 16: Faces and Challenges of field study in Alatish