BorenaSaynt Worhimenu National Park, located in the South Wollo Zone of the Amhara
Region, stands as one of Ethiopia's most breathtaking natural landmarks.
Situated approximately 198 kilometres west of Dessie and 18 kilometres from
Mekane Selam, the park is bordered by six districts: Mehal Saynt, Borena,
Amhara Saynt, Mekdela, Legambo, and Tenta.
Historically
known as "Min-Yiwab" or "Denkoro Chaka" (The Dense Forest),
the area earned these names due to its impenetrable canopy, which was said to
be so thick that human voices were swallowed by the woods. Records indicate
that the site has been a protected forest since the reign of Emperor Zara
Yaqob.
Recognition
of its immense biodiversity grew during the era of Emperor Haile Selassie,
leading to enhanced conservation efforts starting in 1960. Formal legal status
was eventually granted in 2009 by the Amhara Regional Council under Regulation
No. 68/2001.
Geography
and Ecosystems
According
to Anteneh Tesfaye, Head of the Park’s Office, the sanctuary features a
stunning landscape of indigenous forests, waterfalls, streams, and unique
geological formations.
Size:
15,262 hectares.
Elevation:
Ranges from 1,900 to 4,280 meters above sea level.
Ranking:
It is the third-highest national park in Ethiopia, following the Simien and
Bale Mountains.
Climatic
Zones: Due to the elevation variance, the park encompasses three distinct
ecological zones: Afro-alpine (Wurch), Highlands (Dega), and Sub-highlands (Weyna
Dega).
Biodiversity
Highlights
The
park serves as a vital habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna, many of
which are endemic to Ethiopia.
Wildlife:
Mammals:
Over 30 large species, including Leopards, Caracals (Dalga Anbessa), and
Colobus Monkeys (Gureza).
Endemic
Species: The Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada Baboon, Stark’s Hare, and Menelik’s
Bushbuck.
Avian
Life: More than 84 bird species, including the Moorland Francolin, Abyssinian
Catbird, and the Wattled Ibis.
Flora:
The
park is a botanical treasure trove, with 99% of its forest consisting of
indigenous plants. Of the 496 plant species recorded, notable examples include
African Olive (Woira), Hagenia Abyssinica (Koso), and various Alpine grasses.
The vegetation is classified into three primary zones: the Black Forest,
Highland Grassland (Guassa), and Erica Moorlands (Asta).
