Ethiopian Reserve: Oromiya Wildlife Conservation Region (OWCR)

[sand hatch]

Oromiya Wildlife Conservation Region (OWCR) is a proposed new reserve set in the Oromia regional state of Ethiopia, based on the Bale Mountains, Sanetti Plateau, Harenna Forest, and Rift Valley. As one of the few countries in Africa that still allows regulated hunting, Ethiopia presents an opportunity to have hunting an area that is significantly different than Vurhonga Savanna.

OWCR is characterized by a diverse range of biomes, including montane forests, grasslands, and savannas. One of the notable biomes in the region is the Bale Mountains located in southeastern Ethiopia and are part of the larger Ethiopian Highlands. The mountains feature extensive heathlands and Afro-alpine moorlands, as well as some of the last remaining tracts of montane forest in Ethiopia. The Sanetti Plateau is also an important feature of the region, with an elevation of over 4000 m and extensive grasslands that are home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. The Harenna Forest is a dense cloud forest located in the southeastern part of the Bale Mountains, and known for its high biodiversity. To the west of the Bale Mountains is the Rift Valley, a vast geological formation that stretches from Syria to Mozambique. It is marked by a chain of lakes and a mosaic of savannas, grasslands, and woodlands, which support a diverse array of wildlife. The Rift Valley lakes are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos.

The species list is based on the book Mammals of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia by Trevor Jenner, and web-based research. It will probably need to be cut down for reasons of game optimization, but is a starting point. It focuses on species that are relatively different than what we have now, at least in appearance, but mostly excludes “radical” choices like baboons, which would require considerable work to model and animate, never mind the behavior AI. Endangered species have (I think) been excluded (so no Mountain Nyala or Ethiopian Wolves).

+-------+---------------------------+----------------------------+
| Class | Common Name               | Scientific                 |
+-------+---------------------------+----------------------------+
| 1**   | African Black Duck        | Anas sparsa                |
| 1**   | Egyptian Goose            | Alopochen aegyptiaca       |
| 1     | Guenther's Dik-dik        | Madoqua guentheri          |
| 1     | Helmeted Guineafowl       | Numida meleagris           |
| 1**   | African Pygmy Goose       | Nettapus auritus           |
| 1     | Yellow-necked Spurfowl    | Francolinus leucoscepus    |
| 1     | Abyssinian Ground Hornbill| Bucorvus abyssinicus       |
| 2*    | Side-Striped Jackal       | Canis adustus              |
| 2**   | Bat-Eared Fox             | Otocyon megalotis          |
| 2     | Common Duiker             | Sylvicapra grimmia         |
| 2**   | Klipspringer              | Oreotragus oreotragus      |
| 3**   | Caracal                   | Caracal caracal            |
| 3**   | Grant's Gazelle           | Nanger granti              |
| 4*    | Lesser Kudu               | Tragelaphus imberbis       |
| 4**   | Cape Bushbuck             | Tragelaphus sylvaticus     |
| 4**   | Bohor Reedbuck            | Redunca redunca            |
| 5     | Giant Forest Hog          | Hylochoerus meinertzhageni |
| 5**   | Leopard                   | Panthera pardus            |
| 6**   | Nile Crocodile            | Crocodylus niloticus       |
| 6     | Waterbuck                 | Kobus ellipsiprymnus       |
| 7     | Spotted Hyena             | Crocuta crocuta            |
| 8**   | Greater Kudu              | Tragelaphus strepsiceros   |
| 9*    | African Buffalo           | Syncerus caffer            |
| 9*    | African Lion              | Panthera leo               |
| 9     | Hippopotamus              | Hippopotamus amphibius     |
+-------+---------------------------+----------------------------+

This list is updated below at #1100444674558271571 message

Animals marked * exist in the game already; those marked ** could probably be “easily” made with slight adjustments to existing models, such as a new skin and slightly modified model.

From what I understand, all of these species may be legally hunted in Ethiopia, although some, such as Leopards, require additional permission. To justify this, in the missions the player will assume the role of an Ethiopian wildlife management officer tasked with maintaining the biodiversity of OWCR and promoting sustainable hunting practices that benefit both local communities and wildlife populations. Since this is similar to the approach taken in Vurhonga Savanna, some other “hook” will be needed, but should not be problematic.

If Expansive Worlds wanted to expand this region to include the Big Five, only African Elephants and Black Rhinoceros would need to be added. Both have existed in southern Ethiopia historically in fairly recent years (Kenya is on the southern border), so the scope of the reserve could be slightly wider. Giraffes have also existed in this area as well. If so, it might be wise to limit or exclude the Sanetti Plateau biome.

Class 1 animals

Class 2

Class 3

Class 4

Classes 5-8

Class 9 (note that "African Buffalo" are identical to Cape Buffalo)

Lodges in the region

[lapis wasp]

I was recently thinking that we don't really need more Africa map suggestions, but I honestly really like this one. Species list seems pretty balanced but still has plenty of new stuff. And the effort you put in is fantastic. Love it. My only note is that klipspringer should maybe be class 2, as they only get up to about 18 kgs

[sand hatch]

Yeah, I was trying not to have "Vurhonga 2.0". As far as the klipspringer go, I was thinking of them as Chamois, but you are right, Class 2 might be better. [Now changed to Class 2]

[lapis wasp]

Hunting ground hornsbill and spurfowl would be a blast too. And I don't think I've seen a suggestion with bat eared fox yet. They're super cool animals

[sand hatch]

Sanetti Plateau

Bale Mountains

Harenna Forest (southeastern slopes of the Bale Mountains)

Brushlands biome. (Note that Beisa Oryx are endangered.)

Rift Valley (and western slopes of the Bale Mountains). There are volcanic areas including geysers.

Rift Valley lakes

[tawdry gulch]

You got the Bale Mountains but no Mountain Nyala, the main animal that draws hunters to Ethiopia, might I ask what lead you to those series of decisions? (I also had no clue hornbills were a game animal, learning something new everyday). Weapon class wise I imagine the Mountain Nyala being in the same class as Greater Kudu as the bulls over 600 pounds

[sand hatch]

I had considered them, but they are classified as endangered since 2016, but I personally am not opposed

[tawdry gulch]

Plus the Mountain Nyala don’t even have to replace the Kudu, as they could inhabit different parts of the reserve

I also just remembered something regarding the buffalo, instead of calling them African Buffalo, you could refer to them as Nile Buffalo, as that is the subspecies/variant of African Buffalo found in Ethiopia along with Uganda and South Sudan (huntable in Ethiopia and Uganda)

[sand hatch]

I am seeing conflicting information on Mountain Nyala and if they are endangered or not, probably because this is so recent (2016). Elephants are present in the area I am proposing (Rift Valley and the immediate area), but are not currently hunted. As with anywhere else, EW would need to decide if that is something they want, but it is possible without adjustments.

[honest dove]

Different weapon ideas here. Since there is multiple class 9 animals how about another dedicated class 9 rifle? Like a 416 Rigby, 458 lott, or a 505 Jeffery?
Class 7-9 rifle 375 H&H, 35 whelen, or 33 nosler.
Class 3-6 This one is a bit harder but maybe a 7x57 Mauser, 6mm creedmore, or 257 Roberts.
Class 1-2, 22-250, 22 mag, 17 hmr, or 220 swift

Don't have to make the class 1-2 rifles either. They make single shot bolt action rifle caliber pistols in those as well. That might be a fun weapon to add

[ripe ibex]

Absolutely love the area and love the idea

[sand hatch]

I don't really have a strong opinion on firearms for the DLC as I am not really knowledgeable about that. But yes, a nice Class 7-9 or even a dedicated Class 9 weapon would be cool. What I really would like is a good Class 2-4 rifle. I would just want it to be modern (post WW2) and not a sporterized ex-military weapon from grandpa.

[sand hatch]

I ran across some videos with some great IRL hunts in Ethiopia that really show the environment https://youtu.be/Ek-46JDfi84 https://youtu.be/28vWeG_wsAQ

[sand hatch]

A few alternatives

+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| Class | Common Name           | Scientific             |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 1**   | Abyssinian Hare       | Lepus habessinicus     |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 1     | Harwood's Francolin   | Pternistis harwoodi    |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 1     | Rock Hyrax            |  Procavia capensis     |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 2     | Crested Porcupine     | Hystrix cristata       |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 2     | Honey Badger          | Mellivora capensis     |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 3     | Gerenuk               | Litocranius walleri    |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 3**   | African Wolf          | Canis lupaster         |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 3     | Serval                | Leptailurus serval     |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 3     | White-eared Kob       | Kobus kob leucotis     |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 8**   | Beisa Oryx            | Oryx beisa             |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 8     | Eland                 | Taurotragus oryx       |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 8     | Mountain Nyala        | Tragelaphus buxtoni    |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+
| 10    | African Elephant      | Loxodonta africana     |
+-------+-----------------------+------------------------+

Beisa Oryx and Mountain Nyala are endangered, however. Elephants have the same issues as other proposals. Note that African Wolves, also known as African Golden Wolves, are not the same as Ethiopian Wolves (which are endangered); they were formerly known as African Golden Jackals, but are now known to be wolves. (Note that these are not the same as European Golden Jackals.)

[tawdry gulch]

I saw the African Wolf and remembered the part about how they were once considered a subspecies of the Golden Jackal before being classified as their own unique species. I should also add that while Elephant are huntable in Ethiopia, one website seems to indicate that the hunting area for elephants (and a hartebeest type) have been either closed down for a long time or a hunting area has not been designated

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ethiopia-hunting-information.14211/

[sand hatch]

Yes, they can be as part of management programs. This would just need to be part of the lore/missions of the reserve so that no-one complains overly hard.

[tawdry gulch]

I also just noticed Plains Zebra on your alternate species list, and while Elephants can be hunted in Ethiopia theoretically speaking, Zebra cannot be hunted in Ethiopia at all and either can Aardvark.

[sand hatch]

I cannot believe EW would take the time to make models and rig either one of them, but any event, I have removed them.

[ripe ibex]

I’d love to see them add porcupine.That would open up the idea of having American porcupine on Layton,New England,Yukon,Silver Ridge peaks

[sand hatch]

That would be cool!

[gray shuttle]

Great Idea!

[cyan tree]

@sand hatch What a great idea. A lot of work has gone into this and I commend you for your passion. It would definitely be an awesome map and wonderful addition to the game. Well done.

[sand hatch]

Thanks! I am just trying to get away from the "South Africa 2.0" vibe and have something different.

[magic lintel]

@sand hatch I would love to have some waterfalls In the game like you have pictured

[sand hatch]

Waterfalls would be cool, but I believe the version of the engine used for theHunter doesn't really allow for that. They do have them, however, in The Angler, which uses an updated version of the engine. Perhaps if theHunter 3 is ever made, they will have them.

[magic lintel]

@sand hatch have you heard before if they can do really small waterfalls ?

[sand hatch]

No, moving water (other than gentle waves) seems to be a serious hurdle for this version of the engine, so no water falls

[magic lintel]

@sand hatch bummer

[unkempt junco]

Ethiopia is great, was considering suggesting a reserve. Bumped.

[vale palm]

Man, the lesser kudu needs a remodel urgently. They’re completely different if compared to the real one.

[paper brook]

Lesser kudu need a remodel to something more like this, or replace them with Impala

[vale palm]

Exactly

[light rapids]

I really like the variety of new species in this idea. This would definitely be a very interesting map if it was added to the game.

[vale palm]

1 to 60

[sand hatch]

Now that we've seen how well the game can move from biome to biome naturally in Emerald Coast Australia, I really think it would be possible for something similar on this Ethiopia proposal

[vale palm]

Definitely!!

[ripe ibex]

Bump.

[paper brook]

Yep, we need to see this and hopefully soon

[sand hatch]

Just a bump and with the hope that if we ever do get a new African reserve, it is not just Vurhonga 2.0, but somewhere else on the continent besides southern Africa.

[golden garnet]

I Think That Either This Or Cameroon Would Be A Great Africa 2.0 (Cameroon Mostly Because Both Hippos And African Elephants Of Both Subspecies Can Be Hunted There.)

[sand hatch]

I ran across this documentary on Ethiopian wildlife. The area in it is further north than what I am suggesting, and several of the animals it shows (esp. the wolves) are endangered, but it does give a great idea of what the landscape and biomes are like. https://youtu.be/Y44-J-9tIaM?si=cFYtsCHHw7ueTEaJ

And this one is more along the lines of what I have in mind (the Omoro region), but note that the narration is in Amharic, not English. The same YouTube channel has loads of other videos of Ethiopian wildlife: https://youtu.be/phzD4gSfgzI?si=td3pbJcIdLRD-LlM

[sand hatch]

bump (just to see if there is any further interest or comments)

[sand ridge]

Consider me interested

[astral vine]

This would be a very cool map!

[jolly condor]

What about ….The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)?

https://tenor.com/view/cheetah-running-gif-11585360

[sand hatch]

Seeing as with Sundarpatan, endangered animals are possible to consider, here is a list of 21 species that I think would be good for a southern Ethiopia (Omoro) reserve that would also allow for animals from northern Kenya

|-------|------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Class | Common Name            | Scientific Name               |
|-------|------------------------|-------------------------------|
| 1     | Egyptian Goose         | Alopochen aegyptiaca          |
| 1     | Guenther's Dik-dik     | Madoqua guentheri             |
| 1     | Helmeted Guineafowl    | Numida meleagris              |
| 2     | Bat-Eared Fox          | Otocyon megalotis             |
| 3     | Grant's Gazelle        | Nanger granti                 |
| 3     | North African Ostrich  | Struthio camelus camelus      |
| 4     | African Leopard        | Panthera pardus               |
| 5     | Giant Forest Hog       | Hylochoerus meinertzhageni    |
| 6     | African Golden Wolf    | Canis lupaster                |
| 6     | Beisa Oryx             | Oryx beisa                    |
| 6     | Greater Kudu           | Tragelaphus strepsiceros      |
| 7     | Mountain Nyala         | Tragelaphus buxtoni           |
| 7     | Spotted Hyena          | Crocuta crocuta               |
| 8     | Eland                  | Taurotragus oryx              |
| 8     | Nile Crocodile         | Crocodylus niloticus          |
| 9     | African Buffalo        | Syncerus caffer               |
| 9     | African Elephant       | Loxodonta africana            |
| 9     | African Lion           | Panthera leo                  |
| 9     | Black Rhinoceros       | Diceros bicornis              |
| 9     | Hippopotamus           | Hippopotamus amphibius        |
| 9     | Reticulated Giraffe    | Giraffa reticulata            |
|-------|------------------------|-------------------------------|

This is specifically designed for big game, and has the Big Five, but also is a different than the southern Africa proposals. While the bottom of the map would be Kenyan-style forested savanna (as found in Ethiopia), it would have more of the mountainous Rift Valley biomes in the north.

I've purposefully left out primates as, frankly, I think the effort it would take to properly animate them accurately would likely be too time-consuming relative to the pay-off when other, less complicated species could be added.

If 21 species is too many, I would remove the ostriches and the African golden wolf, and perhaps the giraffe.

[tawdry gulch]

Black Rhinoceros went extinct in Ethiopia in the 20th century, but Hippos would serve as a good replacement for them

If there is one species that could replace the Giraffe it should be the Grant’s Zebra

[jolly condor]

If you are thinking of adding new animals, if it’s not too much, Maybe you could add…. the Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus)? I could see them being a class 5 animal Like the Leopard. Also Thomsons Gazelle and Impala would be pretty Cool too

[sand hatch]

That's true, but in order to have the Big Five, a little fantasy needs happen. Wild Yak are more or less extinct in Nepal (very, very tiny population in one valley, apparently), so similarly we can imagine some Black Rhinos wandering in from Kenya and becoming a problem.