Gelada in the Simien Mountains

  

Gelada live entirely on grass                      

 

Gelada can be seen from Simien Lodge right the way up to Bwahit. There are currently about 2700 monkeys in the park and this number is fairly static. Although the predators have declined, increased farming in the park means that the gelada do not have the same grasslands and woodlands as previously.

Gelada live in family groups made up of a dominate male and up to 8 females with their respective young. They come together in larger bands and during the dry season these bands can be as large as 800 animals.

By 5pm each evening, most of the gelada have retreated over the escarpment where they remain all night protected from the predators.

Never rush at gelada or look them in the eye which they consider a threat. Sit in their migration path to get some incredible pictures.

 

Leopard can also be found in the Simiens

There are a few leopard in the Simiens. They live in the wooded valley areas of the north escarpment and sometimes venture onto the plateau to hunt although they prefer the cover of the trees. The best place to find leopard is around Sankabur although generally thir activity is nocturnal. There has never been any known attack on humans and it is quite save to walk in the Simiens.

Hyena and common jackal

 

The picture shows the famous Hyena man of Harrar, but hyena are found in the Simiens too.

Hyena are still found in some parts of the Simiens although their number are depleted by locals who consider them a pest. Likewise the jackal numbers are not as large as they used to be but jackal can be viewed, especially at night.

 

Walia Ibex

 

 

Walia numbers are increasing. They were once a threatened species but protection and reduction in predators has meant that their numbers are increasing. They are easily recognised by their long curved serated horns and it is possible now to get withing 100 meters of these beautiful animals. Chennuk  is the best place to see them.

 

Serval Cat

 The very rare serval can can be seen. Dusk or dawn are the best time to see them. 

Simien Wolf or Red Fox

 

The number of wolf in the park is officially 77 animals but the number could be lower than this since they are very susceptible to rabies brought in by domestic dogs. They are the descendants of the european wolf and they became stranded in the mountainous areas of Ethiopia after when the last ice age retreated. This endemic creature is now in great danger of extinction. Some wolves have been seen as far west as Simien Lodge and as far east as Ras Daschen. But the best viewing area is around Bwahit. However on the east side of Bwahit there is little control of poaching and it is feared that the number of 77 wolves may be out of date.

For more information  http://www.ethiopianwolf.org is the website of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme