Habitat heterogeneity and seasonal dynamics influence medium-sized mammal community structure in Maze National Park, southern Ethiopia

Habitat heterogeneity and seasonal rainfall variation are associated with variation in mammalian community structure in tropical savanna ecosystems. However, quantitative information on how habitat complexity and seasonal resource fluctuations affect medium-sized mammal communities remains limited in many Ethiopian protected areas. This study investigated the effects of habitat heterogeneity and seasonal variation on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of medium-sized mammals in Maze National Park, southern Ethiopia. A stratified line-transect survey was conducted across four habitat types—grassland, woodland, riverine forest, and bushland—during wet and dry seasons. A total of 1,443 individuals representing 10 species, 7 families, and 4 orders were recorded. Mammal abundance was significantly higher during the wet season than during the dry season (χ² = 28.56, df = 1, p < 0.001). Grassland and woodland habitats supported the highest species richness and diversity, whereas bushland exhibited comparatively lower diversity values. Species diversity and abundance varied significantly among habitat types, indicating the importance of structurally heterogeneous habitats in supporting mammalian communities. Generalist species such as Chlorocebus aethiops were widely distributed across habitats, whereas habitat-specialist and nocturnal species occurred at lower frequencies. Mammalian abundance differed between the wet and dry seasons, with higher total abundance recorded during the wet season. Abundance also varied among habitat types, with grassland supporting the highest number of recorded individuals. Chi-square analyses indicated significant seasonal differences in abundance overall and within the four habitat types. These findings indicate associations between habitat type, season, and observed mammalian abundance; however, they should be interpreted in light of potential differences in detectability among habitats and seasons. The findings highlight the ecological importance of habitat mosaics and seasonal resource dynamics in maintaining mammalian diversity within tropical savanna ecosystems. Conservation strategies in Maze National Park should therefore prioritize habitat connectivity, multi-season ecological monitoring, and protection of structurally diverse habitats to sustain mammalian biodiversity under increasing anthropogenic pressure.