Abstract
This study assessed communal knowledge and perceptions regarding the reintroduction of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Questionnaires were employed to acquire information from 216 randomly selected respondents within six villages. Our results indicate that gender differences exist among respondents; more males than females correctly identified wild dogs from photo cards. Males also wanted the species to be of high conservation priority. Moreover, because of their education, more males suggested that the wild dog population should increase after being released into the Serengeti National Park (SNP). Finally, gender and education level significantly explained the variation of the outcome of answers with respect to wild dog reintroduction to SNP. The study recommends that conservation authorities should incorporate communal knowledge and perceptions during implementation of the wild dogs’ reintroduction programmes. Key words: Gender, education, conservation priority, protected areas, reintroduction.
Highlights
IntroductionMost communities living close to protected areas are knowledgeable about wildlife behaviour (Gandiwa, 2012; Lagendijk and Gusset, 2008; Thorn et al, 2011; Lescureux and Linnell, 2010) and management (Uddin and Foisal, 2007; Ogada et al, 2003; Mills, 1991; Lagendijk and Gusset, 2008; Kideghesho et al, 2007; Kaltenborn et al, 2006; Inskip et al, 2016)
The study was conducted in western Serengeti focusing on eastern part of the Simiyu region, which covers an area of 23,808 km2 bordering Maswa Game Reserve (MGR) and Serengeti National Park (SNP), between latitudes 2° and 4° S and between 33° and 35° E (Figure 1) (URT, 2013)
Approximately 16%, had secondary education and above, 24% had never been to school and the majority, 60% had Respondents’ perceptions of African wild dogs reintroduction into the SNP
Summary
Most communities living close to protected areas are knowledgeable about wildlife behaviour (Gandiwa, 2012; Lagendijk and Gusset, 2008; Thorn et al, 2011; Lescureux and Linnell, 2010) and management (Uddin and Foisal, 2007; Ogada et al, 2003; Mills, 1991; Lagendijk and Gusset, 2008; Kideghesho et al, 2007; Kaltenborn et al, 2006; Inskip et al, 2016). Previous studies have shown that information focused on communal knowledge of protected area management and predators are well recognized by decision makers (Kaltenborn et al, 2006; Tessema et al, 2010; Kideghesho et al, 2007; Lindsey et al, 2005; SjölanderLindqvist et al, 2015; Smith et al, 2014) Studies addressing such people‘s perceptions of large carnivore management are well documented in several ecosystems in Tanzania (Goldman et al, 2010; Koziarski et al, 2016; Dickman et al, 2014). It is essential from both a scientific and conservationist perspective to understand communal knowledge on wildlife conservation (Taylor, 2009; Kideghesho, 2008)
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