Simien Mountains National Park.
The Simien Mountains National Park is located in the northern edge of the central plateau of Ethiopia overlooking the Tekeze George. It is one of the world heritage sites that are registered by UNESCO. It is part of the Simien mountains massif in Northern Ethiopia, which lies at the elevation between 2000 m and 4543m taking Ras Dejen the highest peak of the horn of Africa and lies about 10km east of the national park and is separated from it by the massive gorge carved by the Mashaeha River. The national park itself with a core area of 410 km2 is believed to be one the smallest national parks in Ethiopia is located in North Gondar Zone in the Amhara regional state. The idea of conserving and protecting the Simien National park and one of the main justifications for establishing it was the fact that the Simien area is the last stronghold of the Walia Ibex, Gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolves though the last two are found in other places of Ethiopia. This animal is a typical of wild goat and the species found only in this area. The walia habitat covers the steep areas of the escarpment as well as the grassy ledges where they need to feed and sun themselves in mornings and evenings. The post war, poaching and the destruction of natural habitats had diminished the Walia population in the park to an alarming extent. However, efforts to protect natural habitats have shown a significant progress of their population. The Ethiopian wolf is another highly endangered species endemic to Ethiopia. the population with in around the park is estimated to be as low as 50-70 while the estimated total in the whole Ethiopia does not exceed much more than 400 individuals. This indicates of the threatening situation for Ethiopian wolf. Its habitat continues to shrink as the demand grows for the park’s high grass. This needs a great attention for their conservation. The other large mammal which is found in the park is the Gelada Baboon or Gelada Monkey. It is the only mammal endemic to Ethiopia that can’t some extent be regarded as endangered. This singular primate is unique in that it feeds predominantly on grasses and it is probably the most sociable of African monkeys with conglomerations of 500 or more regularly recorded in one field. It has a harm based social structure that is regarded to be the most complex of any animals other than humans. The gelada is distributed throughout the northern highlands where it is generally associated with cliffs and ravines. You are bound to see them if you visit the Simien mountains National park. Source: Bradt guide book 9th edition.