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IMPACT OF ETHNO-ORNITHOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS ON HARWOOD’S FRANCOLIN (PTERNISTIS HARWOODI) SPECIES IN BLUE NILE WATERSHED: EVIDENCE FROM ETHIOPIA [Abstract ID: 1208-06]
Harwood’s Francolin is the only endemic francolin species known so far in Ethiopia. The species heads toward extinction due to various anthropogenic disturbances. The objective of this paper was to investigate the relationship between the local communities and Harwood’s Francolin, and its implication for ecotourism development in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The study used structured questionnaires that contained closed and open-ended questions. The questionnaires went to a total of n=120 households to gather information on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of ethno-ornithological relationships. Descriptive statistics, percentage and frequency were used to analyze the qualitative data. Multiple linear regression and Spearman’s correlation techniques were also run to analyze various disturbance indices. Respondents stated that the species is crucial for consumptive, aesthetic, medicinal and ecological values. The suitable habitat for the species is said to be steadily declining owing to deforestation, habitat destruction and hunting. There is limited knowledge of the cultural and conservation value of the bird and the value of ecotourism in the area. The development of ecotourism for conservation of the threatened bird species should be encouraged at national and regional levels.