Habitat suitability assessment for hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) conservation using GIS-based multi-criteria...

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a keystone species inhabiting freshwater ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa but is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict. This study assessed habitat suitability for hippopotamus conservation in Ethiopia's southern Rift Valley, focusing on Lakes Abaya and Chamo, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Data from October to December 2024 included satellite imagery, bathymetry, rainfall records, a digital elevation model (DEM), focus group discussions, and farmer interviews. Six socio-ecological criteria-land use/land cover (LULC), lake depth, slope, elevation, rainfall, and distance from settlements-were integrated through a weighted overlay. Results show that 26% of the study area is highly suitable, 23% suitable, 39% moderately suitable, and 12% unsuitable. Wetlands and shallow waters emerged as the most critical habitats, while croplands, settlements, and steep or upland areas were least favorable. Human-hippo conflicts were strongly linked to cropland encroachment near lakeshores, consistent with local reports and previous studies. Compared to other Ethiopian hippo ranges, the Abaya-Chamo system supports a relatively higher proportion of suitable habitat, attributed to persistent wetlands and aquatic-terrestrial connectivity. However, threats from wetland degradation, agricultural expansion, and settlement growth continue to reduce habitat quality. These findings highlight the urgent need for wetland restoration, buffer zones, and community-based conflict mitigation strategies to sustain hippopotamus populations in the region.