Fishermen-Otter Conflict in and around Lake Tana, Ethiopia

Fishermen’s knowledge, fishermen–otter conflict and the attitude of fishermen towards the African clawless otter were studied in and around Lake Tana, Ethiopia, during September, 2014–June, 2015 by means of questionnaire... [ view full abstract ]

Fishermen’s knowledge, fishermen–otter conflict and the attitude of fishermen towards the African clawless otter were studied in and around Lake Tana, Ethiopia, during September, 2014–June, 2015 by means of questionnaire survey and direct observation. A total of 204 local fishermen were randomly selected from eleven villages adjacent to the Lake for the survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric chi-square test to determine the significance of differences between the responses. Respondents reported the presence of otters around the shore of Lake Tana in different habitat types. Among the respondents, 52% reported that otters are found around the lake shore, 50% indicated that otters are observed during both dry and wet seasons, 59.3% observed that they are more sighted during dawn and dusk hours and 79% reported that otters usually prey on fish. Knowledge of the respondents on seasonal distribution, habitat association and feeding habit of otters were significantly differed. The majority (91.2%) of the respondents recognized otters as pest. Ninety four percent reported serious damage of fishing equipment by otters as a result the majority (85.3%) of them have developed negative attitude towards otter. Only 14.7% have showed positive attitude. From the findings in the present study concluded that depredation of netted fish and damaging of fishing equipment by the African clawless otter are common. This indicates that fishermen–otter conflict is potentially serious in the study area. The occurrence of conflict due to competition for commercial fish can result in the killing and decline of the local otter population.  As otters are good indicators of the health of fresh water and wetland habitats, awareness creation should be in place for local communities to minimize negative impacts and damage on otters