Abstract

A field study in Chimit Kolla, Gozamen District, Ethiopia was conducted in November, 2020. The study aimed to evaluate the biodiversity loss and major conservation challenges in the area. Direct sighting of the animals in the field and indirect evidences like scats, prey leftover and evidence from native key informants revealed higher wildlife potential of the area. However, intensive agricultural investment, deforestation and habitat degradation, uncontrolled charcoal production and induced fire for agricultural expansion remain the principal biodiversity conservation challenges. Although sustainable agriculture is part of the Sustainable Development Goals, in Chimit area intensive agriculture resulted ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss in an alarming rate. Therefore, the area calls for active conservation intervention measures to harmonize the investment activities with biodiversity conservation priorities.

Key words: Agricultural investment, biodiversity loss, charcoal production, conservation challenges, induced fire.