COMPILED BY STAFF REPORTER
Among the National parks in the country, Ethiopia, Gibe Sheleko National Park is the only national park nearest to the capital city of the country. The National Park is found within the Northern side of the South Region at the upper part of Omo Gibe basin, boarded by Oromiya State in the southern and western side. The Park is located in 174 km south west of Addis Ababa on Jimma road.
As studies indicate, Gibe Sheleko National Park covers an area of 360 km2 that ranges in altitude from 980 to 1835 m.a.s.l; and it is one of the few youngest parks, established in 2011 by the South Regional State upon request and participation of the local communities. The Park supports a wide range of wildlife species. So far 17 larger mammals and more than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the different habitats of the Park. These include the lion, Greater kudu, Hippopotamus. Bohor, Bushbuck, Leopard, Water-buck, Wild cat,Serval cat Bush pig , Warthog, common Baboon, Monkey are the common ones.
The Park becomes famous in harboring of a variety of birds and big mammals. Red winged phtyilia, White winged cliff chat, Wattled ibis, Thick billed Raven, White collared pigeon are endemic and near endemic birds in the park; others are Double-toothed and Black-billed barbets, White-cheeked turaco, Malachite kingfisher.
The Park is fortunate in possessing numerous rivers, streams and hot springs which are reasons for the rich wildlife resources of the area. Gibe River is one of the features of the Park bordering to the south. There are different perennial rivers and streams such as Ano, Wabe, Winke and Degosa rivers which cross the Park and finally drain to Gibe River.
Besides these, there are many hot and cold springs in the Park namely, Luke and Jato hot springs, Zebegna-ber, Ener kola, Jato cold springs in the park. The prominent topographic features is unique and highly attractive characterized by unique and vastly heterogeneous and hilly terrain, highly undulating to rolling plains with incised river and perennial streams, valley and gorges.
It is possible to arrive to the Park using Addis Ababa–Jimma asphalt road which crosses the National Park. There is about 70 km dry weather road to see the general feature of the Park. Visitors can use the various foot paths available to visit the attractions in the park.
The Ethiopian Herald May 8/2021
