Article
Ecology
Mia Svensk, Ginevra Nota, Pierre Mariotte, Marco Pittarello, Davide Barberis, Michele Lonati, Eric Allan, Elisa Perotti, Massimiliano Probo
Summary: This study assessed the potential of using molasses-based blocks to attract Highland cattle for targeted grazing and reduce Alnus viridis encroachment. The results showed that targeted grazing significantly decreased herbaceous cover and increased bare soil around the molasses-based blocks. Livestock grazing also reduced the cover of ferns, tall herbs, medium and small herbs, and woody species around the blocks.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mulugeta Tilahun Keno, Jane Wamatu, Ashraf Alkhtib, Taye Tolemariam, Solomon Demeke, Geert Paul Jules Janssens
Summary: This study identified key determinants of barley straw utilization for mulch and feed through structured questionnaire and statistical analysis. Findings showed that factors such as educational level of household head, family size, number of equines, etc., positively influenced the optimal proportion of straw used for mulching. Female-headed households and farmers with higher exposure to formal extension tended to use less straw for mulching.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Liam Singer, Xenia Wietlisbach, Raffael Hickisch, Eva Maria Schoell, Christoph Leuenberger, Angela Van den Broek, Manon Desalme, Koen Driesen, Mari Lyly, Francesca Marucco, Miroslav Kutal, Nives Pagon, Cristian Remus Papp, Paraskevi Milioni, Remigijus Uzdras, Ilgvars Zihmanis, Fridolin Zimmermann, Katrina Marsden, Klaus Hacklaender, Jose Vicente Lopez-Bao, Sybille Klenzendorf, Daniel Wegmann
Summary: Wolf populations in Europe are increasing, leading to conflicts with livestock owners. A study compiled livestock damage data from 21 countries between 2018 and 2020, finding regional variations in the target species, damage density, seasonal distribution, and temporal trend. The area of cultivated habitats occupied by wolves, as well as husbandry practices and damage prevention, were identified as important factors influencing the incidents.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ketema Worku Bedada, Yisehak Kechero, Geert Paul Jules Janssens
Summary: In the southern Ethiopian Rift Valley, dairy cow productivity is primarily constrained by inadequate feed quality and quantity. Seasonal variations and altitude differences significantly impact the ranging dairy cow rations and milk production. The study found that milk yield is higher during the rainy season, especially in the midlands, suggesting a positive association with access to crop aftermath and hay.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Motuma Shiferaw Regasa, Michael Nones
Summary: This study analyzes the LULC changes in the Fincha watershed in Ethiopia over the past 30 years and predicts future changes. The results show a significant reduction in forest and shrub areas due to agricultural activities, which is expected to continue in the future. The study also highlights the potential consequences of decreased natural forests, such as increased soil erosion and siltation in water reservoirs.
Review
Environmental Studies
Motuma Shiferaw Regasa, Michael Nones, Dereje Adeba
Summary: Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in Ethiopia are mainly driven by population pressure, resettlement programs, climate change, and other anthropogenic factors. Studies have shown that in the past decades, the landscape has transitioned from natural to agricultural land use, commercial farmland, and built-up areas due to increasing anthropogenic pressure. The challenge lies in forecasting future LULC changes at the watershed scale to develop basin-wide management strategies for the future.
Article
Forestry
Iftekhar U. Ahmed, Dessie Assefa, Douglas L. Godbold
Summary: This study investigates the impacts of land-use change on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen stocks in North-West Ethiopia. It finds that conversion of natural forest to grazing and cropland leads to significant depletion of C and N stocks. However, eucalyptus plantation shows potential for soil C recovery. The study also highlights the importance of considering the quality of SOM when assessing disturbance impacts on SOC and N stocks.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Addisu Mekonnen, Peter J. Fashing, Colin A. Chapman, Ejigu Alemayehu Worku, Belste Fetene, Mekbib Fekadu, Awoke Guadie, Nils Chr Stenseth, Vivek V. Venkataraman
Summary: The Ethiopian wolf is considered both a flagship and an umbrella species for the restoration of Afroalpine habitat and conservation of sympatric species. Protecting and restoring Afroalpine habitat has the potential to contribute to achieving multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tatek Belay, Tadele Melese, Abebe Senamaw
Summary: This study analyzed the impacts of land use and land cover change on ecosystem service values in the afro-alpine area of Guna Mountain, Northwestern Ethiopia. The results indicated a decrease in ecosystem service values over time, with regulating service values accounting for the largest share.
Article
Environmental Studies
Claudinei Oliveira dos Santos, Alexandre de Siqueira Pinto, Janete Rego da Silva, Leandro Leal Parente, Vinicius Vieira Mesquita, Maiara Pedral dos Santos, Laerte Guimaraes Ferreira
Summary: Brazil, the seventh largest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2020, showed that 73% of its emissions were related to land use. This study utilized the CENTURY model, georeferenced databases, and the R environment to map and analyze the dynamics of carbon stocks in the pasture areas of the Cerrado biome from 2000 to 2019. The results revealed a loss of approximately 103 MtC in Cerrado pasture soils over the past twenty years. Mapping and monitoring carbon stocks in this land use type are crucial in supporting Brazil's efforts to mitigate carbon emissions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. M. Cardenas, L. Olde, N. Loick, B. Griffith, T. Hill, J. Evans, N. Cowan, C. Segura, H. Sint, P. Harris, J. McCalmont, S. Zhu, A. Dobermann, M. R. F. Lee
Summary: Grasslands cover 25% of the global land surface and play a significant role in soil carbon sequestration. Changes in grassland management can contribute up to 25% of greenhouse gas mitigation. The type of pasture and time of year are important factors in predicting atmospheric CO2 fluxes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Abadi Mehari Abrha, Kai Gedeon, Lars Podsiadlowski, Demis Mamo Weldesilasie, Till Toepfer
Summary: This study used camera trap-based occupancy modeling to investigate the habitat covariate influence on the occupancy and detection probability of Moorland Francolins in Ethiopia. The results showed higher occupancy and detection probability in the pristine habitat compared to the disturbed habitat. The presence of predators negatively influenced occupancy, while herb species richness had a positive association. Distance to road had a negative influence on occupancy in the pristine habitat, contrary to the initial prediction. Sampling occasion and precipitation significantly influenced the detectability of the species in the pristine habitat.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Munib Khanyari, Kulbhushansingh R. Suryawanshi, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Eleanor Dickinson, Abhirup Khara, Rashmi Singh Rana, Hannah Rose Vineer, Eric R. Morgan
Summary: This study investigated gastro-intestinal nematode infections in the North India Trans-Himalayas, finding that while wild bharal had higher parasite burdens, livestock contributed more to the total count of eggs and infective larvae on pasture due to higher densities. Model simulations revealed that pasture infectivity was influenced by historical pasture use and gradual larval development during the summer.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Daiva Jukneliene, Vaiva Kazanaviciute, Jolanta Valciukiene, Virginija Atkoceviciene, Gintautas Mozgeris
Summary: This study conducted a spatially explicit assessment of land use and land-use changes in Lithuanian municipalities since 1971, revealing an increase in forest and built-up land areas, and a decrease in areas of producing land, meadow/pasture, and wetlands. Different historical periods with varying land management policies were found to have influenced the trends in land-use changes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ayele Almaw Fenta, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Mitsuru Tsubo, Hiroshi Yasuda, Takayuki Kawai, Kindiye Ebabu, Mulatu Liyew Berihun, Ashebir Sewale Belay, Dagnenet Sultan
Summary: Soil erosion by water is a major environmental concern in Ethiopia, with cropland, river basins, and agroecological zones being the main areas affected. Implementing specific land management practices can significantly reduce soil loss and support sustainable use of land and water resources, particularly in severely eroded areas like the Abay and Tekeze basins and Dega and Weyna Dega agroecologies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)