A preliminary survey of medium and large-sized mammals from Lebu Natural Protected Forest, Southwest Showa, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted to determine the species composition and diversity of medium and large-sized mammals from Lebu Natural Protected Forest, Ethiopia. Surveys were conducted to record mammals through direct observation and indirect evidence from three habitat types, namely: natural forest, bushland, and riverine forest. A total of 15 mammalian species were recorded. The species recorded were , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and . A total of 223 records of observations were compiled. About 74% of these records ( = 167) were obtained from direct sight, whereas the rest was recorded through indirect evidence. The dominant order recorded was order Primates (57.4%) followed by order Artiodactyla (17.5%) while the least record was order Lagomorpha (1.34%). The species richness varied across the stratified habitat types. However, there is no significant difference in Shannon-Wiener Index values between the habitat types. The species diversity of the study area was ' = 2.119. The present study area is of great potential area for the conservation of the species. Long-term detailed studies should be carried out for effective conservation and management initiatives in the study area.