My team and I aim to investigate the nutritional ecology, gastrointestinal ecology, landuse-land cover change and habitat suitability modeling of Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) in southern Ethiopia. We also investigate the morphology, skeleton, and molecular insights into the taxonomy and evolution of Bale monkeys. Further, we will evaluate the population status, habitat, and behavioral ecology of Bale monkeys.

My team and I study the status, threats, and ecology of bamboo and determine sustainable harvest levels in southern Ethiopia. Further, we restore degraded and mountainous habitats with bamboo and selected food species and also protect intact bamboo forest habitats and biodiversity in the region. Overall, this project aims to design conservation and management strategies for the long-term survival of Bale monkeys, bamboo, and local people.

This project assesses the distribution, population status, habitat use, and population dynamics of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It also investigates the vegetation ecology of the study areas, including vegetation inventories. The project helps design and implement management strategies to protect species at risk, conserve biodiversity, and sustainably manage wildlife and habitats, including bamboo forest, tree-dominated forest and afroalpine ecosystems.

We intend to conduct research on the convergent evolution of bamboo-eating primates and mammals. The project investigates the genetic, ecological, and evolutionary bases of bamboo niche adaptation in these unique and threatened bamboo specialist species.

We aim to assess the gastrointestinal parasitic ecology of wild primates across the geographic range in Ethiopia, comparing those in intact and disturbed habitats. We will also investigate the effect of habitat disturbance on the microbiome composition of nonhuman primates in intact vs. disturbed habitats in their geographic range. Further, we will assess the population status and map their geographic distribution.

My team and I have expanded our research work on the ecology and conservation biology of endemic, threatened, and little-known primates in Ethiopia, including the Arsi gelada (Theropithecus gelada arsi), Boutourlini’s blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii), and two black and white colobus monkeys [Djaffa Mountains Guerezas (Colobus guereza gallarum), and Omo River Guerezas (C. g. guereza)]. 

My team and I use geospatial modelling to study the significance of the endangered and rare Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and Bale monkey as flagship and umbrella species for ecosystem protection, sustainable development and sympatric biodiversity conservation.