Copyright©2007
The Murulle Foundation
All Rights Reserved.

Updated: December 11, 2007

Current Projects

Habitat Modeling
Group Size and Sex Ratios
Vegetation Surveys

Nearly a century after its discovery by western science, relatively little is known about the biology of the mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), its distribution, or its habitat. Discovered by Ivor Buxton in 1908, the mountain nyala has the distinction of being the last large ungulate discovered in Africa.

Current knowledge regarding this elusive animal is still based on early descriptions and observations made by explorers, naturalists, and trophy hunters. Since those early accounts, scientists have added very little to our understanding of the mountain nyala, forcing management and conservation efforts to rely on patchy observations and assumptions based on general ungulate theories.

Assessment of Mountain Nyala Habitat

The Murulle Foundation is currently focusing efforts on habitat and risk assessments in areas known to support mountain nyala populations. The projects will:

• Determine the type and structure of known mountain nyala habitat
• Assess the impacts of human encroachment (e.g. deforestation, burning, grazing, agriculture,etc.) on mountain nyala populations and habitat.
• Provide baseline data to calibrate remotely sensed satellite imagery that will allow us to determine the total available habitat and monitor habitat changes over time
• Develop statistical models, using multiple data types (field surveys, high-resolution satellite imagery, geographic information systems) to identify areas that may hold undiscovered populations of mountain nyala

Several recent studies conducted by other institutions have attempted to estimate the total population of mountain nyala but they have repeatedly failed to use scientifically proven methodology, recognize the species' full range, and incorporate the complex social and behavioral characteristics of the mountain nyala. The Murulle Foundation has collected evidence that suggests that the total mountain nyala population exceeds 4,000. Admittedly, estimating the total population of mountain nyala is difficult since little is known about their range and seasonal movements. Further, their preference for dense vegetation hinders the use of many traditional population estimate methodologies. TMF is currently utilizing local census reports conducted by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Department to develop population models, which incorporate habitat types, habitat availability, and human/livestok impacts.

In 2001, TMF and its partners were the first to investigate and assess mountain nyala habitat on the eastern escarpment of the Bale Mountains, which are now reported by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Department to support over 1,500 mountain nyala. In January 2006, TMF explored additional regions that may potentially be home to more mountain nyala than any region previously reported. By 2007, we plan to use predictive models based on satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), and field surveys to help pinpoint additional and formerly unknown areas that support mountain nyala populations.

The Murulle Foundation is committed to providing reliable, scientific data to clarify the status of the mountain nyala and contributing important information to support management decisions, formulate policy and facilitate conservation strategies.

TMF is uniquely positioned to provide long-term integrated research on the mountain nyala. In addition to our team's history and experience in Ethiopia, we have partnered with the Ethiopian Wildlife Department, Bale Mountains National Park, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University to meet our short-term project objectives and long-term goals. Future collaborative efforts are being formulated with the USDA National Wildlife Research Center, NASA, and the Dallas Ecological Foundation.

Habitat Modeling

The Murulle Foundation has partnered with researchers at the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory to develop a habitat model for the mountain nyala. The model will have three primary functions:

1. Map potential areas within Ethiopia that provide ideal mountain nyala habitat and possibly support undiscovered populations
2. Highlight populations and habitats that are at the greatest risk
3. Guide restoration efforts by mapping potential wildlife corridors and reforestation initiatives.

The model will utilize various satellite images, Geographical Information Systems and spatial statistical applications to produce maps that highlight specific themes and concerns.

Group Size and Sex Ratios

The Murulle Foundation is currently conducting monthly surveys to determine average group sizes of mountain nyala and sex ratios (including calves to mothers) in dense montane forests that have minimal human or livestock presence. Similar studies have been conducted in the past at Bale Mountains National Park, but TMF researchers speculate that those results may be influenced by large concentrations of people, domestic animals, degraded habitat, and unusually high mountain nyala densities.

Vegetation Surveys

Demero Forest

The Murulle Foundation is in the process of conducting a vegetation survey of plant diversity at multiple scales in the Demero Forest on the eastern escarpment of the Bale Mountains. Over 25 multi-scale sample plots have been established over elevation gradients and within different habitats. Data collected from these plots will highlight areas of species richness and diversity, and habitats that are important to the mountain nyala. Additionally, we have established over 100 calibration plots that will be used to validate remotely sensed satellite images which will enable us to examine potential habitats at much larger scales.

Odo Bulu

The Odo Bulu Mountains are located approximately 15 miles southeast of Goba town in the Bale Zone of central Ethiopia and cover an estimated 160 square miles. Elevations in Odo Bulu range from 5,000-11,500 feet. This area remains predominantly covered by a rare and unique old-growth highland forest, likely the largest and last remnant forest of its kind outside of protected areas in Ethiopia. The forest is dominated by the tree species Hagenia abyssinica, large tracts of rare bamboo forests consisting of Sinarundinaria alpina, and at higher altitudes, a very uncommon old growth heather community consisting of Erica trimera and Erica arborea.

In 2002, TMF ecologists, wildlife biologists and botanists assembled in the Bale Mountains to inventory the old-growth upper montane forests. The team systematically sampled vegetation along a south-facing ridge at five different elevations, beginning at 3,300 meters and descending to 2,500 meters. Additionally, they examined the distributions of rare community types within the forest, such as pockets of bamboo, and began mapping the forest for future reference.

One hundred and forty-five different species of plants were identified within the 2.5 hectares, or approximately 6 acres, sampled in the upper montane forest of Odo Bulu. Ten endemic species were identified by TMF researchers:

• Knifophia foliosa
• Plectocephalus varians
• Trifolium semipilosum var. brunelii
• Urtica simensis
• Acanthus sennii
• Alchemilla haumanii
• Crotalaria rosenii
• Euphorbia dumalis
• Rubus erlangeri
• Erythrina brucei

The highest percentage of endemic plants, 10% and 6%, were found in the upper elevations of 3300 m and 3100 m, respectively. The forest inventory data collected in 2002 by TMF researchers forms a baseline of information about the forest structure, composition, and diversity of vegetation within the upper montane forest of Odo Bulu. We hope to use this information to assess changes and impacts to the forest over time, further sampling will be necessary to effectively monitor the forest.