Population size and ecological behaviour of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) in Chelekleka Wetland, Ethiopia

Temesgen Tigab & Misganaw Enyew

Volume 6 Issue 1, March 2026

Abstract

The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a widespread, medium-sized heron recognized for its ecological adaptability and significant role as an indicator species in wetland ecosystems. Despite its global distribution and extensive research on its ecology, limited data exist on its behavioral ecology in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the activity patterns, foraging behavior, abundance, and seasonal habitat utilization of cattle egrets in the Chelekleka Wetland, a seasonally inundated area located near Debre Zeyit in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Fieldwork was conducted across wet (June to August 2023) and dry (January to February 2024) seasons using direct observation methods, including scan sampling and focal animal sampling, across defined habitat blocks. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were utilized to analyze the data. Counts revealed higher egret abundance during the wet season (n=5,441) compared to the dry season (n=3,335), highlighting seasonal fluctuations linked to habitat conditions and resource availability. Diurnal activity patterns showed significant variations across time slots and seasons, with feeding and flying being predominant during early and late hours. Foraging observations revealed diverse prey selection, including insects and small vertebrates, and frequent use of livestock pastures and farmlands. The observed seasonal variation in population size and habitat utilization of the cattle egret indicates that wetland hydrology and resource availability are key factors influencing the species’ ecology. Therefore, it is recommended that Wetland conservation and management efforts be strengthened to maintain water levels and vegetation structure throughout the year, ensuring suitable foraging and breeding habitats.

Keywords

Author information & Contribution

Temesgen Tigab. Corresponding author. MSc in Ecological and Systematic Zoology. Genetic Resource Access and Benefit Sharing Research, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute. Email: Temesgen.tigab@ebi.gov.et

Misganaw Enyew. MSc in Ecological and Systematic Zoology. College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Department of Zoological Sciences, P.O. Box 1176. Email: misganawenyew92@gmail.com

Disclosure statement

Funding

Institutional Review Board Statement

AI Declaration

Notes

Acknowledgement

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Cite this article:

Tigab. T. & Enyew, M. (2026). Population size and ecological behaviour of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) in Chelekleka Wetland, Ethiopia. International Journal of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, 6(1), 47-66. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijstem.353325