Simien Mountains National Park, located in northern Ethiopia on the Amhara plateau in the western Simen Mountains, is a remarkable natural treasure that has earned its place as one of the first four sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978.
Simien Mountains National Park is located in the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, approximately 870 kilometres from Addis Ababa. Its area contains Ras Dashan, Ethiopia’s highest peak, as well as the highest sections of the Simien Mountains.
This designation comes as no surprise, considering the awe-inspiring landscapes that have been shaped by massive erosion of the Ethiopian plateau over time. Picture yourself surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and precipices that plummet an astonishing 1,500 meters. The grandeur of this scenery is truly unparalleled.
One of the park’s primary objectives is the preservation of its unique and endangered wildlife. Simien Mountains National Park serves as a sanctuary for several rare species, including the highly elusive Ethiopian wolf, the captivating gelada baboon, and the Walia ibex—a species of goat found nowhere else on Earth but Ethiopia. The transfer of the park’s management from Addis Ababa to the Amhara region in 1997 marked a significant turning point.
A committee was established to oversee the park’s rehabilitation, leading to increased budgets, a larger staff, and an emphasis on involving local communities in decision-making processes. This approach involved the resettlement of farmers, the removal of villages, and an expansion of the park’s boundaries.
Despite its natural splendor, Simien Mountains National Park faces threats that have earned it a place on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The decline in the population of the Walia ibex, caused by human settlement, grazing, agriculture, and road construction, prompted the World Heritage Committee to take action in 1996.
However, there is some cause for hope as the ibex population may now exceed 500 individuals and show signs of recovery. The situation remains critical for the Ethiopian wolf, as this magnificent creature remains exceptionally rare.
Situated within the Ethiopian Highlands biogeographical province, Simien Mountains National Park represents a significant component of the Afro-alpine Centre of Plant Diversity. Although its diversity is relatively low compared to other Afro-alpine regions, the park harbours plant species that have adapted to its unique post-volcanic and post-glacial history.
Vegetation within the park is divided into four altitude-related belts: Afromontane forest, Hypericum woodland, Afromontane grassland, and Afro-alpine moorland.
Unfortunately, heavy overgrazing has resulted in the degradation of the grassland, rendering it less productive. Approximately 25% of the Afro-alpine vegetation has been heavily overgrazed, while 60% has experienced significant grazing pressure. However, efforts are being made to restore and protect these delicate ecosystems.
The Park boasts a remarkable array of fauna, with 21 recorded mammals, including seven endemic species. However, anthropogenic disruptions and alterations to the park’s habitats have led to a reduction in the available range for wild animals. The presence of grazing livestock has further compounded these challenges. One of the park’s iconic creatures, the Walia ibex (Capra walie), is nearly endemic to the Simien Mountains but has sought refuge on the cliffs of the northern escarpment and outside the park.
The population of Walia ibex dwindled to around 250 individuals before the park’s designation in 1968. However, it experienced a resurgence until the 1985-1991 conflict, which caused the species to become more dispersed and cautious. By 1989, their numbers were estimated to be around 400 but decreased to about 200 in 1996 due to increased poaching and eastward migration.
In November 2005, after the incorporation of two additional reserves, their population was estimated at 623.
Another remarkable species, the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis simensis), also known as the Simien fox, is endemic to Ethiopia and is the rarest canid in the world. It relies on rodent prey in the diminishing tufted grass habitat. In 1977, the Ethiopian wolf population numbered only 20 individuals, but by 2003, 40 were observed within the park. In 2005, a total of 71 individuals were recorded in and around the park, with most sightings occurring outside its borders.
The park is also home to other notable mammals, including the gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada), hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), anubis baboon (Papio anubis), black and white vervet (Corcopithecus aethiops), colobus monkey (Colobus sp.), spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), golden jackal (Canis aureus), leopard (Panthera pardus), caracal (Felis caracal), serval (Felis serval), wild cat (F. silvestris), as well as several large herbivores such as the bush pig (Potamochoerus porcus), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), bush duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), and klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus). Unfortunately, some of these species are now retreating from the park.
Simien Mountains National Park is also a haven for avian enthusiasts, situated within one of the world’s Endemic Bird Areas. Among the 137 recorded bird species, 16 are endemic to Ethiopia, showcasing the country’s avian diversity.
Notable avian residents include the wattled ibis (Bostrychia carunculata), spot-billed plover (Hoplopterus melanocephalus), black-winged lovebird (Agopornis taranta), blackheaded forest oriole (Oriolus menarche), blackheaded siskin (Serinus nigiceps), Abyssinian catbird (Parophasma galinieri), Abyssinian longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis), whitebilled starling (Onychognathus albirostris), thickbilled raven (Cornus crassirostris), white-collared pigeon (Columba albitorques), whitewinged cliff-chat, (Myrmicocichla semirufa), and Ruppell’s chat (M. melaena).
The park is also home to a variety of raptors, including the majestic lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), four other vulture species, and four species of eagle.
The Afrotropical highlands lend the park its unique avian charm, with notable species such as the chestnut-naped francolin (Francolinus castaneicollis), Abyssinian hill-babbler (Pseudoalcippe abyssinica), spot-breasted lapwing (Vanellus melanocephalus), and chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) gracing the skies. Simien Mountains National Park truly captivates both nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike, providing a haven for diverse and enchanting wildlife.
Simien Mountains National Park is not only a haven for mammals and birds but also an outstanding site for plant enthusiasts. The park’s vegetation represents the rich diversity of the Ethiopian Tropical Seasonal Highland biome. Within its boundaries, you’ll encounter various ecosystems that change with altitude. From the species-poor forest below 3,000 meters, where remnants of Syzygium guineense, Juniperus procera, and Olea europaea ssp.africana can still be found, to the subalpine grassland dominated by the magnificent giant lobelia Lobelia rhynchopetalum, the park will leave you in awe of nature’s splendor.
It’s important to note that certain challenges threaten the delicate balance of Simien Mountains National Park. Human disturbance and habitat alteration have significantly reduced the available habitats for wildlife within the park. Additionally, competition from grazing livestock has further impacted the ecosystem. Efforts are being made to address these issues and ensure the park’s long-term sustainability.
Simien Mountains National Park is not only a place of breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and unique flora but also a testament to the importance of conservation. Its inclusion on the World Heritage List and subsequent recognition as a site in Danger highlights the need for continuous efforts to protect this natural wonder. By visiting the park and supporting its conservation initiatives, you contribute to its preservation for future generations to marvel at its beauty.
