Population Status and Threats to Galliform Bird in the Arjo-Didessa River Valley, Southwestern Ethiopia

The study was conducted to assess the species composition, population size, public knowledge, and threats Galliform birds in Arjo-Didessa River Valley, Southwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected from January 2018 December 2020, covering both dry wet seasons. area classified into four habitat categories: farmland, forest, grassland, riverine areas. A line transects survey point count routes employed open habitats dense habitats, respectively, collect data. species’ composition relative abundance of Galliformes estimated by timed counting encounter rates. To knowledge threats, direct inventories, questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, informal communications employed. Three species, namely, Clapperton’s Francolin (Pternistis clappertoni), Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris), Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus), recorded area. abundant (66.83%), common (30.14%), a rare (3.03%) species. size 461 during season 365 season, with mean 124.5 ± 11.5, 276 33, 12.5 3.50 individuals Francolin, Guineafowl, Partridge, respectively. flock ranged 1 22 per flock. There statistically significant difference (F = 90.06, df 3, p < 0.05 ) between where highest farmland (141.5 7.5) lowest (61.5 43.5) habitats. majority respondents (86.36%, n 286) have prior awareness about guineafowl francolin They use these mainly as source food (55.06%), eggs meat consumption, income (28.48%), other values (16.45%), including foster-rearing medical practices. In addition, guarding, trapping, scarecrows, related crop raid protection measures protect crops damage birds. Although there is factual understanding positive attitude towards area, destruction loss, agricultural intensification, overgrazing, fire, fuelwood collection, agrochemicals, hunting egg collection observed major affecting their Further research community-based conservation interventions are, therefore, essential thoroughly monitor trends maintain region.