Researching bird and mammal populations on the Liben Plain, Ethiopia

Bruktawit Abdu

The Liben Plain forms the last remnant of the southern Ethiopian rangelands - once Africa’s most productive pastures. It is an IBA, part of the South Ethiopian Highlands EBA and home to several threatened species, including the Sidamo Lark, endemic to the plain. The plain has diminished from 760 to 35 km2 and urgent conservation is needed. To guide planned restoration, this project will collect data on bird and larger mammal populations and undertake education and awareness activities with local communities to help conserve the plain. The results will be disseminated to stakeholders and will help team members develop their conservation skills.