Background
My main research as part of my PhD is on conservation oriented ecological genetic studies of mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), endangered antelope endemic to Ethiopia. My ecological study aims to address questions related to spatiotemporal distribution pattern, population estimates and identifying localities to be prioritized for conservation by developing GIS based habitat suitability model for the species. A study on habitat preference and behavioural ecology of the species is also under progress, based on continuous focal watch of 19 collared mountain nyala (9 with GPS and 10 with VHF collars). Genetic population differentiation of the species across the fragmented landscape of Ethiopian highlands is studied from microsatellite data, using pellets as DNA source. The information provided by this first ever detailed study of the species will provide important input for the long-term conservation management plan of the species. In addition, I am involved in the behavioural ecology studies of endemic primates of Ethiopia particularly on the bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis), blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) and the gelada baboon of Arussi highlands (Theropithecus gelada ?).