BAN-Development Research Center for Excellence

Let's explore the wonders of Ethiopia. Episode 3
13 Months of Sun Shine !

The wild countryside of Ethiopia is home to some of the most remarkable wildlife anywhere on the continent. And its most extraordinary specimens are so special, you won’t find them anywhere else on Earth. From fearsome apex predators to shy technicolour birds, here’s our guide to some of Ethiopia’s most amazing endemic animals.

1. GELADA
The gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is a species of Old World monkey found only in the Ethiopian Highlands. Like its close relatives the baboons (genus Papio), it is largely terrestrial, spending much of its time foraging in grasslands.

2. MOUNTAIN NYALA
The mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni ) or balbok is an antelope found in high altitude woodland in a small part of central Ethiopia. It is a monotypic species (without any identified subspecies) first described by English naturalist Richard Lydekker in 1910.

3. ETHIOPIAN WOLF
The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is a canine native to the Ethiopian Highlands. In southeastern Ethiopia, it is also known as the Horse jackal. Unlike most large canids, which are widespread, generalist feeders, the Ethiopian wolf is a highly specialized feeder of Afroalpine rodents with very specific habitat requirements.

4. WALIA IBEX
The walia ibex is an endangered species of ibex. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Alpine ibex. Threats against the species include habitat loss, poaching, and restricted range; only about 500 individuals survived in the mountains of Ethiopia.

5. YELLOW- FRONTED PARROT
Not much is known about this attractive Ethiopian bird, first described by German naturalist Eduard Rüppell. You’ll hear its thin, high-pitched screech amongst more remote parts of the Highlands. Also referred to by the catchy Latin name poicephalus flavifrons, the yellow-fronted parrot is best-known for the jaunty, buttercup-coloured plumage around its face.

6. THE BLACK LION
Known for their striking, black manes, Ethiopia’s very own endemic species of lion was celebrated in a song by Bob Marley. Iron Lion Zion references the lion on a former Ethiopian flag, flown by Emperor Haile Selassie, who was known as the ‘Lion of Judah’. Selassie kept a number of Ethiopian lions as pets, the descendants of which remain at Addis Ababa’s zoo (opened by Selassie in 1948).

Searching your Brian Type
EPISODE 2

Type 2: The spontaneous brain

This type typically has lower activity in the front part of the brain in an area called the prefrontal cortex (PFC).
Personality type: With this brain type, you love trying new things, have a wide range of interests, and would rather do things on the spur of the moment than have a set schedule. You think outside the box, don't believe that rules apply to you, and are typically late for appointments. Organization isn't your strong point, and you're such a risk taker that your behavior might get you into trouble.
Career path: Having the spontaneous brain type is very common among entrepreneurs, entertainers, politicians, and real estate agents.

Learning style: This type is easily distracted and struggles with organization, so even though you may be really smart, it can be hard for you to perform up to your potential.

Relationships: Because you like excitement in your life, you may have a tendency to create drama in your relationships.

Potential problems: You may engage in risky behavior, such as drinking too much, taking drugs, or having extramarital affairs. This type is vulnerable to ADHD, depression, and addiction.
Engage in lifestyle strategies that boost activity in the PFC, including eating a higher-protein diet; taking supplements, such as green tea, rhodiola, and ginseng; and doing cardio exercise.

The third type of brain will be post by next episode

Happening now!
BAN DERCE is conducting enumerators and supervisors training for CARE Ethiopia’s Project entitled 'Baseline Assessment for Uplift Her – Supporting Adolescent Girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Nutrition, and Economic Empowerment Project'.