Mount Erer and its vicinity harbours over 110 bird species. The assemblage includes three of the

Ethiopia’s endemic birds namely Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinierri), Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons) and Black-headed Siskin (Serinus nigriceps). In addition, near endemic species like Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Slaty Flycatcher etc. are common. Due to its close vicinity to Bishoftu city, surrounded by a number of lakes, all with vast diversity of birds, Mount Erer could be additional package for bird watchers. A portion of the mountain, locally known as Amora Gedel, is a known breeding site for one of the critically endangered Rüppell’s Volture (Gyps rueppelli). Besides, it is an excellent rewarding place for watching the rare and graceful Lammergeier or Breaded Vultur.

The mountain harbors some 11 species of mammals. Klipspringer is the most noticeable one and the symbol of the forest. Others, inter alia, include the endemic Menelik’s Bushbuck, Common Bushbuck, Black-backed Jackal, Common Warthog, Spotted Hyena, Honey Badger, Caracal etc. are some of the well-recognized wild animals found in small numbers at different spots of the forest.

Juniperus procera and Olea africana are the most dominant trees of the vegetation cover while Erica arborea, Dodonaea angustifolia, Rosa abyssinica, Carisa edulis, etc. comprise the bush and shrub land.

Located at about 44 km to the east of the capital, Addis Ababa, Mount Erer (traditionally known as Yerer) can be reached from two directions. These are, either from the old Addis Ababa-Bishoftu Road with a turning junction in between Gelan and Dukem town, taking north along a 16 km track road, or from Bishoftu City driving a distance of 17 km towards north.