Species diversity, population density and habitat association of large carnivores in Maze National Park, Ethiopia

Abstract Carnivores help to maintain ecological balance by preying on herbivores and ensuring the survival of plants. However, large carnivores are experiencing continuous decline around the globe. This study was performed in the Maze National Park (MzNP), Ethiopia, for which no previous empirical data are available. We investigated the diversity, population density and habitat association from October 2020 to September 2022. Direct and indirect sampling methods were held using transect lines, call-up surveys and spoor tracking. The habitat differences for species abundance and seasonal effect were tested using the Chi-square. We hypothesized that the habitat quality and seasons affect the ecology of species. The lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) were recorded. The savannah grassland comprised a high abundance (Wet: 46.43%, Dry: 49.58%). The grassland with scattered tree habitat showed high species diversity and evenness (Wet: H’=1.33, J = 0.96; Dry: H’=1.38, J = 0.995), while the riverine forest showed the least (Wet: H’=0.943, J = 0.859; Dry: H’=0.803, J = 0.731). The estimated population density was 0.3–0.33 Panthera leo/km2, 0.14-021 Panthera pardus/km2, 0.09–0.098 Acinonyx jubatus/km2, and 0.2–0.23 Crocuta crocuta/km2. One-way ANOVA was used to compare species abundance among habitats, and the difference was significant (Dry: F = 5.848, df = 3, p = 0.011; Wet: F = 3.903; df = 3, p = 0.037). Our findings suggest that the MzNP has the potential to comprise large carnivores in a good population stand. We recommend that high emphasis be given to habitats for their substantial contribution to supporting the species.