Natural Resource Conservation and

Development.
Level II

Learning Guide # 50
Unit of Competence: Assist Sustainable Wildlife
Conservation and Development

Module Title: Assisting Sustainable Wildlife

Conservation and Development
LG Code: AGR NRC2 M11 1019.
TTLM Code: AGR NRC2 TTLM111019 V1.

LO3: Carry out Conservation of Endangered and

Endemic species

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 Instruction Sheet Learning Guide #50

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics –
❖ Occupational Health Safety
❖ Selecting Materials and tools
❖ Identifying and applying Conservation Systems
❖ Recording Data
❖ Recording Location and Times of observations.
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –

❖ Apply occupational Health Safety

❖ Select Materials and tools

❖ Identify and apply Conservation Systems

❖ Record Data

❖ Record Location and Times of observations

Learning Instructions:

1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.

2. Follow the instructions described in number 3 to 6.
3. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1, Information Sheets2,
Information Sheets3, Information Sheets 4, and Information Sheets 5
4. Accomplish the “Self-check 1, Self-check”2, Self-check 3, Self-check 4, and Self-check 5
in page – 3,5,12,14 and 16 respectively
5. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Information Sheet 2”.
6. Submit your accomplished Self-check. This will form part of your training portfolio.

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 Information Sheet-1 Occupational Health Safety

3.1. Occupational Health Safety

Introduction
Regular health and safety inspections are an effective tool in the hazard identification
process. Together with accident investigation, these inspections form the main thrust in good
occupational health and safety management. Not only do they provide an opportunity to
identify the sources of potential hazards, but can be used to monitor occupational health and
safety policies and procedures and determine how effectively these are translated into the
workplace.

The inspection process allows a full examination and report on the status of occupational
health and safety performance in a work area.

Essentially, it allows one to:

• Identify hazardous conditions and apply hazard control measures

• Monitor behavior trends
• Monitor and evaluate health and safety standards
• Improve health and safety standards
• Measure performance
• Check new facilities, equipment, processes, etc.
• Collect data for meetings, support of initiatives, etc.
• Maintain interest in health and safety
• Display supervisory commitment to health and safety
Physical Hazards
• Animal bites, kicks, or scratches
• Cuts or punctures from fins
• Capture equipment injuries caused by tools like dart guns or traps
• Ergonomic injuries caused by moving equipment in the field
• Restraint device injuries
• Hypodermic needle sticks
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• Accidental exposure to anesthetic or immobilizing agents
• Equipment hazards such as rappelling, electrofishing, SCUBA equipment, or fires resulting
from rocket-distributed capture nets
The OHS Act 1984 requires to identify potential hazards and to develop strategies to
minimize the risk of injury or disease. It also requires employees to ensure their own safety
by following instructions and correctly using any safety equipment provided.
Following organizational health &safety requirements is necessary.

For instance,

Wearing safety closes

Having first aid kit

Far away hazardous chemicals from body

An effective program design requires input from health and safety specialists and will include
the following elements:

• Administrative procedures,

• Facility design and operation,

• Risk assessment,

• Exposure control,

• Education and training,

• Occupational healthcare services,

• Personal protective equipment,

• Equipment performance,

• Information management,

• Emergency procedures, and

• Program evaluation.

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Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)

◼ Hat
◼ Boots
◼ Overalls
◼ Gloves
◼ Apron
◼ Water proof clothing
◼ Spray clothing
◼ Goggles
◼ Respirator or face mask, face guard
◼ Hearing protection
◼ Sunscreen lotion and hard hat and etc.

Self-Check – 1 Written Test

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in
the next page.

1. What is the under OHS Act 1984? (3pts)

2. Write down at least three organizational health &safety required(3pts)

3. Write down at least four Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) (4pts)

Note: Satisfactory rating – 5 points Unsatisfactory - below 5 points

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

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 Information Sheet-2 Selecting Materials and tools

3.2. Selecting Materials and tools

Equipment and personnel are transported to conservation sites without injury or damage
according to organization procedures.

Equipment is installed and protected from weather conditions according to manufacturer's

specifications, safety and organization requirements.

Equipment and conservation procedures are tested in field conditions to enterprise and
manufacturers'. Follow the procedure accordingly.

Some materials.
• Measuring tape -is used measure distance between two points.

• Ranging pole –used to correct slope reading using water level or clinometers.

• Topo map -is map that used to describe forest areas and forest resource.

• GPS – (Global Positioning System) –is used to gather information of particular area.

• Compass-is used to determine the direction in the forest inventory.

• Use kit bags and helmets: used to put some materials.

• Workplace guidelines – it is used to get some procedures.

• Arial photo - it is used to take the image of different wild animals and other related
information from the sky.

• Field note book- is used to record some information.

• Binocular –it is used to see the wild animals which fear full and difficult to or animals that
you cannot get on the open areas.

• Video camera – it is used to take the image of different wild animals and other related
information.

• Radio-tracking: provides a method where by particular animals can be found wherever

they are, whenever you want to find them. This is done by having a small radio-

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 transmitter attached to the animal, usually in a collar round its neck. This transmitter
produces a continuous” bleeping” radio signal which is, inaudible but which can be
detected by means of radio receiver and aerial. `You can find the direction, from which
the signal is coming, and therefore can find the animal.

Self-Check – 2 Matching

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in
the next page. (2PTS each)

A B
1. ___ Compass A. used to see wild animals which is difficult to see.
2. ____Binocular B. used to determine the direction.

3. ____Global Positioning System C. take the image of different wild animals.

4. ____Topo map D. describe forest areas and forest resource.

5. ____Video camera E. used to gather information of particular area

Note: Satisfactory rating - 5 points Unsatisfactory - below 5 points

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

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 Information Sheet-3 Identifying and applying Conservation Systems

3.3. Identifying and applying Conservation Systems

Ethiopia is fortunate in possessing a diverse fauna diversity and significant number of

endemic species. In numerical terms, 22 out of 260 species of mammals, 27 out of 845
species of birds, 3 out of 78 species of reptiles, 17 out of 54 species of amphibians and 4 out
of 101 species of fishes are endemic.

Conservation is the management of human use of the biosphere so that it may Yield the
greatest sustainable benefit to present generations of people while maintaining its potential
to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations

Conservation is thus inclusive term, meaning it includes management, preservation,

maintenance, sustainable utilization, restoration and enhancement of the natural
environment.

Wildlife conservation is a practice in which people attempt to protect endangered plant and
animal species, along with their habitats.

The goal is to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy, and to
recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness lands to humans

Endemic species- any species that are native or restricted in specific area.

Endangered species - any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a

significant portion of its range.

Threatened species - any species that likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or significant portion of its range.

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Conservation doesn’t simply mean that locking away of resource. It is analogous to using the
interest while keeping the capital Generally speaking wildlife conservation mean protection of
wild life population or wise utilization of wildlife population.

There are several steps by which wildlife is conserved. In general, the conservation of wild
life is mainly associated with the conservation of soil, water and vegetation. If these
resources are better protected and managed favorable conditions would be created for
wildlife conservation. The steps taken to conserve water would help to conserve soil vice
versa.

Conservation program practiced to conserve various natural resources would also have
indirect effects on the conservation of wild life.

Reasons for conserving / managing wildlife

1. To maintain essential ecological processes and life support systems.

Essential ecological processes are those processes that are governed, supported or strongly
moderated by ecosystems and are essential for food production, health and other aspects of
human survival and sustainable development. Such as soil regeneration and protection, the
recycling of nutrients, ensuring the availability of quality / clear water, natural regulation of
plants and animal population and the many other ecological processes. The maintenance of
such processes and systems is vital for all societies regardless of their stage of development

2. To preserve genetic diversity

It is the range of genetic material found in the world’s organisms, on which depend the
breeding programs necessary for the protection and improvement of cultivated plants and
domesticated animals. It is the variety of different genes, as found within a breeding
population, within a whole species or of all species found within a given area.

The preservation of genetic diversity is both a matter of insurance and investment -

necessary to sustain and improve agricultural, forestry and fisheries production to keep open
future options, as a buffer against harmful environmental change and as a raw material for
much scientific and industrial innovation.

3. To ensure the man’s sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.

The necessity of ensuring the utilization of an ecosystem or species is sustainable varies

with a society’s dependence on the resource in question. For a subsistence society,

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sustainable utilization of most, if not all, its living resources is essential. The greater the
diversity and flexibility of the economy, the less the need to utilize certain resources
sustainable. Sustainable utilization is somewhat analogous to spending the interest while
keeping the capital. Unfortunately, most utilization of aquatic animals, of the wild plants and
animals of the land, of forests and of grazing lands is not sustainable.

4. Recreational and aesthetic value

Recreational value
People derive benefits of pleasure, adventure, and enhanced physical and mental health
from outdoor activities involving the pursuit or sometimes-accidental enjoyment of wild life.

People can recreate by fishing, bird watching, photographing, hiking, and camping and by
other wildlife based outdoor activities. Sometimes these activities are take place in
conservation areas such as National parks, sanctuaries, game reserves which are set aside
for the purpose, or sometimes they take place in remote or un-populated areas where there
is little other possible use for the land.

The value people receive is usually measured by their willingness to pay for the outdoor
recreation, to the extent that wild life is wholly.

Aesthetic value

It is the most personal and variously conceived value of wild life. Everyone appreciates the
sight of a lion, leopard, colorful birds, beautiful mountain scenery, songs of ducks etc. This is
beautiful that meets the eye and ear, and our response to it seems innate.

Aesthetic values of wild life are usually impossible to quantify. They are values that stir the
emotions and they are often the first value that attracts and initiates people to the
conservation of wildlife.

5. Educational and scientific values.

The scientific value of wild life is the value of wild populations as object of scientific study.
Wild life and their habitats can be considered as field laboratories where scientists such as
ecologists, evolutionists, geneticists, behavioral researchers and others can do study to
extend their knowledge in their discipline.

The educational value of wildlife is realized in the use of wild life examples in schools and at
nature centers and parks.

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 6. Cultural values of wild life

Many forms of wildlife and their products have great significance in local cultures/
ceremonies or beliefs. Certain trees and plants are collected for their special beliefs (healing
properties) or for their ability to ward off evil spirits and events. Amongst certain societies /
local communities, feathers (from ostrich or other different colorful birds), skins from certain
animals (e.g. leopard), horns from Greater kudu or other animals are used or displayed at
different ritual ceremonies.

Some common endangered & endemic species of wild animals in Ethiopia

Critically endangered:

➢ African wild ass (equus africanus)

➢ Bilen gerbil (gerbillus bilensis)

➢ Black rhinoceros (diceros bicornis)
➢ Ethiopian wolf (simian jackal/canis simensis) -endemic to Ethiopia
➢ Guramba shrew (crocidura phaeuura) -endemic to Ethiopia
➢ Harena shrew (procedure harenna) -endemic to Ethiopia
➢ MacMillan’s shrew (crocidura macmillani) -endemic to Ethiopia
➢ Walia ibex (capra walie) -endemic to Ethiopia

Endangered:
➢ Grevy’s zebra (equuis grevyi)
➢ Mountain nyala (tragelaphus buxtoni) -endemic to Ethiopia
➢ Nubian ibex (capra nubiana)
➢ Wild dog (lycaon ppictus)

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wild life conservation areas of Ethiopia.

There are suitable areas where wildlife can be well protected and allowed to breed without
being disturbed.

1. National park:

Conservation areas which may include terrestrial land or land covered by lake or other
wetland set aside for the purpose of conserving and protecting wildlife and objects of
aesthetic ecological and scientific interest.

The following are prohibited in national parks

I. Hunting
II. Cultivating
III. Grazing live stocks
IV. Felling trees.
V. Burning vegetation
VI. Residing in
VII. Exploitation natural resources in any manner
2. Sanctuaries:

They are set aside to conserve characteristics of wildlife communities or to protect a

particularly threatened species or habitat. Prohibited activities in sanctuaries includes

➢ Grazing of cattle
➢ Settling
➢ Hunting of animals, unless acting in accordance with the condition of
permit or written permission of the general manager or game warden.
2. Wildlife reserves or game reserves:

These areas are set aside for protecting and propagating wildlife and its habitat, however it is
not as exhaustive as national park Persons authorized to reside in game reserves have the
right to cultivate their land and to pasture and water domestic animals there in prohibited
activities in clued possession of firearms and hunting of animals

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3. Controlled hunting areas:

The controlled hunting areas come under extractive protected areas where areas are
managed to protected and utilize wildlife species. Hunting is allowed to those who have
permit from the wildlife authority.

In Ethiopia there are 9 national parks, of which only two are gazette (Awash and semien
mountain national park). In addition, there are 3 sanctuaries and game reserves and 17
controlled areas.

1) Abijatta- shalla lake national park

2) Awash national park
3) Bal e mountain national park
4) Gambella nationl park
5) Mago national park
6) Nechisar national park
7) Omo national park
8) Simien mountain national park
9) Yangudi-Rassa national park
10) Senkelle swine’s Hartebeest------------ sanctuary
11) Yabello ------------sanctuary

Conservation techniques of endangered and endemic species

Conservation techniques of endangered and endemic species include:

► Isolation of the entrance of domestic animals

To avoid genetic mixing (mating)

To reduce competition for food, water & space

To minimize disease transitions

► Use artificial insemination method

This is to flourish the endangered species back (by taking Male’s sperm &get to
female’s fallopian tube for fertilization to occur)
► Avoid \minimize disturbances

Wild animals are sensitive to their environment so that any disturbances like
car noise, sound of gun; torch etc will aggravate their shock & leads to
migration and loss
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 ► Avoid irregular hunting
► Prevent settlement of peoples at the vicinity of wild animals
► Control reckless destruction of forests
► Keeping the boundaries of wild life sanctuaries free.

Self-Check – 3 Written test

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in
the next page.

1. Write down conservation techniques of endangered and endemic species

(4pts)
2. List down at least three critically endangered species (3pts)
3. What is the reasons for conserving wildlife? (3pts)

4. What we mean by Aesthetic value of wild animal. (2pts)

Note: Satisfactory rating - 6 points Unsatisfactory - below 6 points

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

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 Information Sheet-4 Recording Data

3.4. Recording Data

Records are a vital part of any conservation program, and are particularly important when an
individual or an organization is trying to learn from previous work in an effort to improve the
care given to wildlife.

Records should be kept on all animal admissions. Animal admission forms and animal
examination forms can be used to ensure that vital information is gathered for each animal.
Daily forms for animals and birds by enclosure or cage are required to verify that food,
medications, and care are being provided. These records must be kept on file by the
rehabilitator for future reference, should this be required.

Coding Standards

Coding standards should conform to specifications listed. The code letters used by wildlife
rehabilitators and Rehabilitation centers should be strictly defined for comparison purposes.

R- (RELEASED): Any healthy, recovered fauna that is returned to its natural habitat.

T - (TRANSFERRED:

(1) any animal transported to another facility or wildlife rehabilitator for further rehabilitation
efforts.

(2) Any animal determined to be non-releasable while undergoing wildlife rehabilitation

efforts that is Placed in a non-rehabilitation situation.

P- (PENDING): Any fauna still undergoing rehabilitation efforts. These animals and birds are
only added to summary statistics after final resolution.

DIC- (DIED IN CARE): Any fauna that dies subsequent to any handling, exam, treatment, or
implementation of lifesaving measures in the care facility.

DOA - (DEAD ON ARRIVAL): Any fauna that dies before any life saving measures or
treatments can be implemented in the care facility.

EAC- (EUTHANASED AFTER CARE): Any fauna that is suffering or non-releasable that is
euthanized.

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EOA- (EUTHANASED ON ARRIVAL): Any fauna euthanized after an initial exam, without
further treatment measures being done.

Self-Check – 4 Written Test

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in
the next page.

1. What is the importance of coding standards? (3pts)

2. What is record (2pts)
Note: Satisfactory rating - 3 points Unsatisfactory - below 3 points

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

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 Information Sheet-5 Recording Location and Times of observations

3.5. Recording Location and Times of observations

While recording the data regarding conservation we have to record the location and times of
observation too. This enables to recognize the characteristics of animal species in time &
space. Therefore, it is important to fill the gaps in accordance with the requirements of
animals and to prioritize our activities too.

Required Information
The following point should be record in Wildlife resource

❖ Your Name, Address and Telephone number

❖ Species name
❖ Site where the observation was made (location and time)
❖ Date of Observation
❖ Numbers of targeted wildlife
❖ Sex, age and colors
❖ Behavior of animal; feeding, rearing of young, mating, playing etc.
❖ Weight and Size of animals
❖ Habitat type and general condition of wild animal

The data records should become:

➢ legible: not to be illegal

➢ accurate: avoid unnecessary or error
➢ Complete: the recorded information should be full expressing the objectives that sated
Compile and present wildlife resource data

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 Self-Check – 5 Written test.

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in
the next page.
1. what required information should be recorded in Wildlife resource? (4pts)
2.List characteristics of accurate data (3pts)

Note: Satisfactory rating - 4 points Unsatisfactory - below 4 points

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

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 List of Reference Materials

1. EBI (2014) Ethiopia’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological

Diversity. Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa.
2. Wolff, J.V. (1961) Wildlife in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Forestry Review, 2, 3-13.
3. Tefera, M. (2011) Wildlife in Ethiopia: Endemic Large Mammals. Current Zoology, 6,
108-116.

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