Socio-ecological predictors of human-carnivore conflict in Tanzania

We investigated the socio-ecological variables associated with attacks on livestock by wild carnivores in Tanzania and use our findings to highlight possible approaches to reduce livestock depredation and hence human-wildlife... [ view full abstract ]

We investigated the socio-ecological variables associated with attacks on livestock by wild carnivores in Tanzania and use our findings to highlight possible approaches to reduce livestock depredation and hence human-wildlife conflict. We used standardized questionnaires and interviews to obtain data on 1) attacks by wild carnivores (spotted hyenas, lions and leopards) from households in villages along the western and northwestern edge of the Serengeti National Park and 2) by African wild dog along the southern boundary of the Ruaha National Park. Enclosures used to hold livestock at night (bomas) were surveyed as was household waste disposal. We used the data collected to quantify the claimed livestock losses per household caused by wild carnivores and the economic loss these caused. Additionally we calculated the economic losses that resulted from the reported losses of livestock to diseases. We determined which households claimed to have conducted retaliatory killing of carnivores following a predator attack, whether these were successful and what methods were used. We quantified the abundance of ‘natural’ wild ungulate prey and domestic stock available to wild carnivores in village areas outside National Parks. Our results revealed that livestock losses cause by diseases are a far larger economic loss to households than depredation by wild carnivores. Most losses of small livestock (sheep and goats) were attributed to spotted hyena attacks on small livestock in night bomas within villages. Attacks by lions on highly prized and economically valuable cattle occurred predominately during the day, when cattle were herded to grazing areas away from villages. African wild dogs also attacked small livestock in grazing areas away from villages. Retaliatory killing of wild carnivores mostly occurred when cattle were attacked. The disposal of household waste within villages attracted spotted hyenas to villages at night and the large number of small livestock held in non-predator proof bomas probably explains why attacks on small livestock by this species at night occur relatively frequently. Better disposal of household waste within villages, or its disposal outside villages might help to decrease the number of spotted hyenas attracted to villages at night. The very low abundance of natural wild ungulate prey in areas surrounding villages compared to the high abundance of domestic stock held in villages at night is probably a key factor driving depredation by spotted hyenas. Improved veterinary services to reduce livestock losses to disease would increase meat production and the income of farmer and the construction of predator proof night bomas would decrease depredation of livestock at nigh be hyenas and leopards. Tighter controls on the availability of highly toxic agricultural pesticides would reduce poisoning of wild carnivores.