Weighing up to six tones and reaching up to four meters in height, they are the biggest land animals on Earth. They are also known for their unique physique – disproportional large ears, small eyes, too long narrow trunks and wide and thick legs- elephants.
Elephants are well known for their close family ties and moving in group, in matriarch, led by the oldest female. In Ethiopia, especially, in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary (BES); few kilometers drive from Harar, it is common to see a parade of elephants moving from one side to the other.
According to Adem Mohamed, from the sanctuary is situated in eastern Ethiopia, between Oromia and Somali states; bordered by 10 woredas that are administered under the Eastern Hararge, Erer, and Fafen zones. The elephants, because they are conserved in a large area of land, they also move around Hakim Gara, in the Harar region
Currently, over 320 elephant population are sheltering within the sanctuary and in the adjacent areas. As to him, following seasonal changes and the availability of food and water, the elephants roam around riverbeds. Thus, they live 75 percent within the park and 25 percent in the adjacent areas of the sanctuary, in Erer and Gobele valleys; he added referring to various studies.
As to him, the valleys are preferred by the population due to their high surface water retention capacity even in the long dry seasons, stuffed by different plant species that are suitable for elephants and having dense forest and landscape that apt to breeding and care for calves. In addition, the valleys are taken as the most desired places to defend against the enemies.
The sanctuary though is home for elephants, numerous wild lives are also sheltering in it. Including lions, leopards, the hamadryas baboons, papio hamadryas, Menelik’s bushbucks, soemmerring’s gazelle and a total of more than 31 mammals are protected in it. Furthermore, the endemic Salvadori’s serine as well as over 200 bird species have harbored in it, Adem remarked.
According to him, the sanctuary is one of the highest rated areas and an important harbor for wildlife. Aside from this, the awesome valleys and the breathtaking landscape are also the other attraction of the site.
The earth is a common place for all; and animals, like human beings, do have the right to live securely and share the resources. The other way round, the animals are country’s resources and play meaning role in generating income, preserving plus maintaining the ecosystem. They are also the beauty of the surrounding area and the country. Given that, the sanctuary is working to protect and safeguard the wildlife, he said.
However, this does not mean that both the sanctuary and the animals are free from any threats. Rather, illegal human settlement and construction works, clearing/deforestation, poaching for the ivory trade, drilling for mining purpose, unrestricted grazing, unintegrated investment activities as well as human- wildlife conflicts among others are challenging the sanctuary and threatening the survival of the animals, he reflected his concern.
Unquestionably, the sanctuary has immense contribution for tourism sector growth. Especially, because it is home for elephant population and other endemic wild lives, proximity for the capital, Addis Ababa, as well as State’s historical, cultural and natural tourism potential such as the largest Babile Camel market, Lij Eyasu Prison, the Sanctuary can generate more earnings to the state and the country.
Underscoring the attention given to the tourism industry by the government and environment protection and conservation has become agenda of the country, Adem said that the challenges the sanctuary has encountered should be entertained and resolved on the dot.
Situated 560km east of Addis Ababa and 25km south of the city of Harar, the Sanctuary, which is an exceptional sanctuary where elephant populations are easier located, was first established in 1970 on an area of 6982 sq. km.
The Ethiopian herald June 10,2020
BY STAFF REPORTER
