IMPACTS OF Lantana camaraON ELEPHANT HABITAT USE AND FEED AVAILABILITY IN BABILE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study assessed the impacts of Lantana camara on elephant habitat use and feed availability in Babile Elephant Sanctuary (BES), Eastern Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data collection method were used. Primary data was collected through key informants and group discussion and by individual interviewing of randomly selected wildlife scouts and local residents. Besides, secondary data relevant to the study was gathered from different sources. The study area was stratified into two categories according to L. camara invaded and un-invaded areas. Five (5) plots laid down in each ten (10) transects randomly. In order to reduce the edge effect, the first plot was taken after indenting 500mfarfrom theedge the field body. There was 500m interval between each plot and 1km interval within each transects. From each plot, elephant preferredplant for feed purpose were recorded. Elephant dung densities were estimated and analysed using R software (R version 3.4.4). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) and evenness or equitability index (E) of plant species L. camara invaded and un-invaded areas were analysed and compared by t-test using R- software. Thirty (30) and eighteen (18) plantspecies browsed by elephant found in L. camara un-invaded and invaded areas, respectively. Thecurrent studyresults showedthat there was higher species richness (S), Shannon’s Weaver Index (H'), and Evenness (E) of plant species under L.camara un invaded area than the invaded area. The total number of plant species of L. camara un invaded and invaded areas were 30, 18, respectively. The mean plant species diversity index under L. camara un-invaded area was (H’=2.44) however, the mean diversity index of plant species under L. camara invaded area was (H’=1.44). There was a highly significant (P<0.05) difference in plant species diversity between L. camara un-invaded and invaded areas. The current study result showed that L. camara invasion harms plant species diversity by reducing species richness and equitability. A higher value of species richness, Shannon’s Weaver Index, and Evenness indicated that species were more diverse and evenly distributed in the L. camara un-invaded area than the invaded one. Total plant density of L. camara un-invaded and invaded area were 858 spp/ha and 361spp/ha, respectively. Acacia Robusta has maximum density under both L. camara un-invaded and invaded area which was 337.9 and 139.8 individual plant Spp/ha, respectively. Elephant dung density was used to assess elephant distribution and habitat use. Hence, the study result showed that there was highly significant (P<0.05) difference observed on elephant population and habitat use under L.camara un-invaded area than L.camara invaded area. The primary influence L. camara has on the elephant habitat is the reduction of plant species cover. This was seen from the negative impact that the L. camara has on elephant habitat use and elephant distribution through elephant dung density. In general, the current study indicated that higher density, frequency, relative density and abundance of plant species were found under the L. camara un-invaded area than invaded area, and also higher elephant density and distributions under L. camara un-invaded area. Therefore, L.camara had strong adverse effect on plant species diversity, thereby affecting and restricting the elephant population density, feed availability and alters elephant habitat useHaramaya University