Abstract
Human-livestock-carnivores conflict is a unifying theme on a complex problem of a shared environment. The study was conducted to determine the levels and nature of human wildlife conflict in Samburu County, Kenya. The data was collected from 2006 to 2009, in three community areas. A total of 266 homesteads were randomly selected for interviews and characterization. The survey was carried out using semi-structured questionnaires, direct field observations and physical measurements. Data obtained was analyzed using Genstat® Discovery (3rd Edition University of Reading), and levels of association established using chi-square. Carnivores within the ecosystem were identified using motion sensor cameras which included lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), hyena (Crocuta crocuta and Hyaena hyena), jackal (Canis mesomelas), and wild-dog (Lycaon pictus). Livestock predation occurred at different sites notably homestead, water-point and grazing field. A total of 435 cattle, 801 sheep, 1138 goats, 189 donkeys, and 92 camels were killed by carnivores during the study period. The magnitude of depredation was mainly influenced by animal husbandly practices, including poorly constructed animals’ sheds and animals left in the field without headers or under the care of minors unable to scare the carnivores away. The dynamics of both wild and domestic ungulates at different seasons are considered to be possible influencing factors on carnivore diet composition, hence presenting as increased conflict during droughts. Key words: Human-carnivore-conflict, ungulates, homestead, denning site, depredation.
Highlights
Integrated ecosystemHuman-Carnivore interface is complex and takes different forms, definitions and levels
Large carnivores population has been on the decline globally, a fact attributed to livestock depredation and human development (Kolowski, 2005)
The majority, 88.4%, had perimeter fences and animals’ sheds constructed with acacia branches while the rest (11.6%) had thorny shrubs found in the study area as well as shrub fences
Summary
Integrated ecosystemHuman-Carnivore interface is complex and takes different forms, definitions and levels. Finite competition for resources between wild ungulates and livestock for pastures create opportunities for carnivores to capitalize. This makes the interfacing more prominent resulting in increased depredation and cross-species disease transmission with a negative economic impact to involved communities (Koch, 2005; Treves and Karanth, 2003). Large carnivores population has been on the decline globally, a fact attributed to livestock depredation and human development (Kolowski, 2005). Livestock attacks by carnivores have been directly related to drought seasons as well as decreased numbers of wild ungulates. A growing human population and new settlements have increased encroachment on wildlife areas increasing human-carnivore conflict (Kolowshi, 2005; Naughton-Treves et al, 2003)
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