Assessment on population status, distribution and grouping patens of endemic Menelik’s bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki) was carried out in Hanto controlled hunting area for wet and dry seasons of the year 2016 and 2017. The objective of assessment was to compile data on population status, distribution and grouping patens of Menelik’s bushbuck in Hanto. Five major habitat types (Erica vegetation, Woodland, Bamboo forest, Riverine forest and Grassland habitat) were identified and 21% of each habitat was surveyed to achieve the objectives. Sample counts of the endemic animal was carried out using random line transect sampling method in an area of 39.9 km2. The estimated populations of Menelik’s bushbuck were 385.5±29.2 individuals. From the total population, Male Menelik’s bushbuck comprised 34.4%, females were 48.8% and young’s of both sexes were 16.9%. The male to female sex ratio was found to be 1:1.42. Age structure was dominated by adults, which constituted 61.9% of the total population. Even though, the bushbucks were distributed in all the five habitat types, it was observed more in the riverine forest habitat (48.5%). The most commonly observed group size throughout the study period (57%) were single (solitary) bushbuck. Moreover, during animal survey highly dependence of the local community on the resource of the controlled hunting area was observed to be the major sources of conservation challenges of wildlife in the study area. Hence, Even though the population status of Menelik’s bushbuck is increasing in the study area, appropriate conservation measure with appropriate management plan will be needed to minimize the sources of conservation challenges in the controlled hunting area.
