The influence of human use on rangeland biodiversity in Ghibe Valley, Ethiopia, as affected by natural resource use changes and livestock disease control

Abstract

In southwestern Ethiopia, recent chaotic events, changes in land tenure and introduction of tsetse fly [Glossina tachinoides] control have precipitated changes in the use of land and other natural resources. In turn, these changes have initiated shifts in rangeland biodiversity. Unexpectedly, small-holder cultivated fields contained more tree and bird species than less-used rangelands. Conversion of rangelands to agriculture sustained biodiversity unless the rangelands were converted into large, mechanized farms (involving tree removal) or if conversion occurred in species-rich riparian corridors.