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<p>The hippopotamus (<i>Hippopotamus amphibius</i>) is a keystone species inhabiting freshwater ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa but is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and human–wildlife conflict. This study assessed habitat suitability for hippopotamus conservation in Ethiopia’s southern Rift Valley, focusing on Lakes Abaya and Chamo, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Data from October to December 2024 included satellite imagery, bathymetry, rainfall records, a digital elevation model (DEM), focus group discussions, and farmer interviews. Six socio-ecological criteria—land use/land cover (LULC), lake depth, slope, elevation, rainfall, and distance from settlements—were integrated through a weighted overlay. Results show that 26% of the study area is highly suitable, 23% suitable, 39% moderately suitable, and 12% unsuitable. Wetlands and shallow waters emerged as the most critical habitats, while croplands, settlements, and steep or upland areas were least favorable. Human–hippo conflicts were strongly linked to cropland encroachment near lakeshores, consistent with local reports and previous studies. Compared to other Ethiopian hippo ranges, the Abaya–Chamo system supports a relatively higher proportion of suitable habitat, attributed to persistent wetlands and aquatic–terrestrial connectivity. However, threats from wetland degradation, agricultural expansion, and settlement growth continue to reduce habitat quality. These findings highlight the urgent need for wetland restoration, buffer zones, and community-based conflict mitigation strategies to sustain hippopotamus populations in the region.</p>

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Habitat suitability assessment for hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) conservation using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis in Ethiopia’s Southern Rift Valley

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月31日

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  • Samuel Oyda Oka,
  • Zewdneh Tomass,
  • Serekebirhan Takele,
  • Aberham Megaze,
  • Jisan Kebede Kano

摘要

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a keystone species inhabiting freshwater ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa but is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and human–wildlife conflict. This study assessed habitat suitability for hippopotamus conservation in Ethiopia’s southern Rift Valley, focusing on Lakes Abaya and Chamo, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Data from October to December 2024 included satellite imagery, bathymetry, rainfall records, a digital elevation model (DEM), focus group discussions, and farmer interviews. Six socio-ecological criteria—land use/land cover (LULC), lake depth, slope, elevation, rainfall, and distance from settlements—were integrated through a weighted overlay. Results show that 26% of the study area is highly suitable, 23% suitable, 39% moderately suitable, and 12% unsuitable. Wetlands and shallow waters emerged as the most critical habitats, while croplands, settlements, and steep or upland areas were least favorable. Human–hippo conflicts were strongly linked to cropland encroachment near lakeshores, consistent with local reports and previous studies. Compared to other Ethiopian hippo ranges, the Abaya–Chamo system supports a relatively higher proportion of suitable habitat, attributed to persistent wetlands and aquatic–terrestrial connectivity. However, threats from wetland degradation, agricultural expansion, and settlement growth continue to reduce habitat quality. These findings highlight the urgent need for wetland restoration, buffer zones, and community-based conflict mitigation strategies to sustain hippopotamus populations in the region.