Characterization of Gidabo River Sub Basin Wetlands: The Case of Warameda Wetland, Dale Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Wetlands are intimately linked with the ecological balance and socio-economic well-being of human population. Each wetland is composed of a number of physical, biological and chemical components such as soils, water, plant and animal species.. Processes among and within these components allow the wetland to generate, provide, perform and possess certain benefits, roles, importance and value to people, wildlife, natural processes and systems as a whole. Warameda wetland is among the famous and the largest wetland in the Dale Woreda. The aim of this research was therefore, to assess the wetland in terms of hydrology, pedology and biodiversity particularly fauna and flora resources. In order to undertake this study, focus group discussion, field observation and key informants were used to collect primary data. To investigate the characteristics of the wetland, Soil, vegetation diversity and hydrological survey was made. To identify the type and physical and chemical properties of the soil, soil samples were collected from the field and tested in laboratory. Relevant literatures and essential documents were also reviewed to generate the secondary data. The satellite image (SPOT 2006) was used to identify the land use classes and types of the wetland. Accordingly, two types of the wetlands were identified namely Surface and ground water dominated wetland and Precipitation Dominated wetland. The finding of the study shows that the wetland consists of species plants  such as Vernonia auriculifera, Vernonia amygdalina, Cyperus latifolius, Leersia hexandra, Teclea nobilis, Syzygium guineense,   Ficus sur, Premna schimperi, Maytenus obscura, Setaria megaphylla, Croton macrostachyus, Cynodon dactylon, Acanthus eminens, Phragmites, and Maesa lanceolata. Moreover, the wetland is drained by Raro River in the eastern part and waragalama springs in the western side. It is also fed by ground water. The soil types of the wetland that were identified through the laboratory test include Sandy Loam, Loam, and Loamy Sand and Clay loam.  The ANOVA result of these soils indicates that there is a significant difference (P< 0.05) among the parameters of the soil PH, Sand, silt, clay and O.C at 95% level of confidence. Some of the fauna resources of the wetland include; hyena (Hyaenidae Carnivora), tiger cat (Felis Tigrina), Rabbit (leporidae cuniculas), pig (Artiodactyla suidae), porcupine (Hystricomorph Hystricidae), civet cat (Civettictis Civetta), aardvark (Oryteropus  afer), duicker (Sylvicapra  grimmia), fox (Cannis Vulpes), Rabbit (leporidae cuniculas) and colobus monkey (colobus guereza). The wetland is also home for several species of birds. The most common  birds found in the wetland  include : Cattle Egret (Bubulcus Ibis), Great White Egret (E.alba), Hammerkop (scopus uabretta), Hadada Ibis(Hagedashia hagedash),Spur-winged Plover(Vanallus spinosus),African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), Yellow-Billed Duck (Anas undulata), Spot-breasted Plover (Vanellus melanocephalus), Rouget´s Rail (Rougetius rougetti),Grey Heron (A. Cinerea), Black-tailed Godwit(Liaosa liaosa), Black-winged Plover (Vanellus melanopterus), Little Egret (E.garzetta), Abdim's Stork (Ciconia abdimii), and Blue-headed Coucal, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Egyptian Vulture, Laughing Dove, Tawny Eagle, Wooly-necked Stork and Crowned Lapwing are some of the famous birds of the wetland.