Human–wildlife conflict and local community attitudes towards wildlife conservation in Konta Special District, southwest Ethiopia

The study assessed the attitude and perceptions of the local communities towards Gibe Sheleko National Park. The data was collected from three districts of Gurage Zone. Ten sample kebeles of the selected districts were selected by purposive sampling method based on the level interaction, distance from the park, and dependency on the park. The sample size of the respondents was 5% of the total households from each selected kebeles. Household survey, key informant interview, field observation, and focus group discussion were employed to collect the data. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 23 software. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to analysis major determinant factors for perception and attitude of the local communities. The perception and attitude of the local communities towards the conservation values of Gibe Sheleko National Park showed a significant difference in education level, sex of respondents, distance from the park, and land owning inside or adjoin the park. Therefore, it can be concluded that sex, distance of settlement from the park, academic level and land owning inside or adjoining the park were the major determinant factors that influence perception and attitude of the local communities. Attending high level of education, far proximity from the park and male communities better understood the importance of wildlife and park. Therefore, to encourage partnership with adjacent community and implement conservation measure and awareness creation for local communities by considering these factors that affect on the attitude and perception of local communities towards Gibe Sheleko National Park.

The study assessed the attitude and perceptions of the local communities towards Gibe Sheleko National Park. The data was collected from three districts of Gurage Zone. Ten sample kebeles of the selected districts were selected by purposive sampling method based on the level interaction, distance from the park, and dependency on the park. The sample size of the respondents was 5% of the total households from each selected kebeles. Household survey, key informant interview, field observation, and focus group discussion were employed to collect the data. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 23 software. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to analysis major determinant factors for perception and attitude of the local communities. The perception and attitude of the local communities towards the conservation values of Gibe Sheleko National Park showed a significant difference in education level, sex of respondents, distance from the park, and land owning inside or adjoin the park. Therefore, it can be concluded that sex, distance of settlement from the park, academic level and land owning inside or adjoining the park were the major determinant factors that influence perception and attitude of the local communities. Attending high level of education, far proximity from the park and male communities better understood the importance of wildlife and park. Therefore, to encourage partnership with adjacent community and implement conservation measure and awareness creation for local communities by considering these factors that affect on the attitude and perception of local communities towards Gibe Sheleko National Park.

The study was conducted between September 2018 and March 2019 to investigate the nature and extent of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) in the surrounding area of Alage College, the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, and to assess the perception of the local people to wildlife. For data collection, a total of 140 household (HH) heads were selected randomly for interviews from nine villages using structured and semi‐structured questionnaires. Moreover, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and personal observation were carried out to obtain additional information. Descriptive statistics, Chi‐square test (2 tailed), one‐way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Likert scale statements were used to analyze the data. Based on, 66 (47.1%) of the respondents, HH heads, the local people of the area experienced livestock predation leading to HWC. Whereas, (40.7%, n = 57) of the respondents perceived both crop damage and livestock predation as a cause of conflict. A total of 932.43 total livestock unit of livestock and 218 dogs’ losses were reported by HH due to predators over the last 5 years. Thus, the largest number of livestock (89.9%) and dogs (100%) attacks was happened due to spotted hyenas. Nearly half of the respondents (49.3%, n = 69) ranked warthogs as the primary crop raiders, while the majority of respondents (82.1%, n = 115) reported maize as a severely damaged cereal crop. More than half, (57.1%, n = 80) of respondents used different methods simultaneously to minimize damage caused by wild animals. About half, (48.6%, n = 68) of respondents had a negative attitude toward wildlife conservation. The level of education and amount of money imposed as a penalty for illegal grazing were affecting the local community's attitudes to wildlife conservation. Using effective methods to reduce damage and loss to crops, including improved livestock husbandry and creating better awareness to the local community could make the locals actor of conservation.

Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC) has become a fundamental aspect of wildlife management, but it threatens both wildlife and human welfare. Agriculture is an important sector for achieving food security, creating employment, and driving economic growth, as well as supplying raw materials for agro-based industries. However, households (HH) around Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) experienced challenges, such as Human-Wildlife Conflict, which could undermine wildlife conservation efforts and agricultural productivity. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Multi stage sampling procedure was employed in this study. In the first stage, all the communities adjacent to KLNP were stratified by distance into three groups: A (≤3 km), B (3-6 km), and C (>6 km). In the second stage, 23 out of 36 communities were purposely selected based on accessibility. In the third stage, 322 households (out of 1,060) were selected proportionate to size. Results of this study revealed that the majority (62.3%) had 21-30 livestock per HH and experienced a loss of 11-20 animals per annum. The number of farms affected by HWC varied significantly across communities: A (5±1.13), B (3±1.02), and C (2±0.03). These conflicts, often involving livestock depredation and crop damage, negatively affect the economic and social well-being of local communities. Annual financial losses due to crop raiding and livestock depredation per household were ₦60,987.40k and ₦50,891.80k; ₦45,807.47k and ₦40,689.12k; ₦30,692.63k and ₦20,463.32k, in the A, B, and C communities, respectively. This implies that HWC reduced with increasing distance from the park’s boundary. A positive association exist between annual financial loss due to crop raiding and household annual income χ2 (2, N=322) = 47.07, p < 0.05, financial loss due to livestock depredation and household annual income χ2(2, N=322) = 24.89, p < 0.05, number of livestock loss per annum and households’ total Livestock holding χ2(2, N=322) = 12.43, p < 0.05. This study established that HWC can undermine wildlife conservation efforts in KLNP as people retaliate against wildlife for perceived losses, sometimes through illegal hunting and habitat destruction.

Understanding local community awareness and attitude towards forest-based ecotourism welfare is an important input for policymakers to develop and implement sustainable forest resource management strategies. However, the local community’s awareness and attitude towards forest-based ecotourism development have been poorly assessed and documented in remote areas. To this end, the present study assessed the local community’s awareness and attitude in Arbegona and Nensebo woredas’ forests, southern Ethiopia, towards ecotourism development. Household and key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Results indicated that more than half (57.9%) of the respondents expressed a negative attitude towards forest-based ecotourism development. The educational status of the respondents, their age, presence of conservation measures, source of energy for household consumption, and biophysical and socio-cultural variations in the study sites are significantly associated with local communities’ attitudes that have been exhibited towards the development of ecotourism and conservation of forest resources. Creating awareness through persuasion and communication of new and well-suited information, promoting alternative livelihood options, encouraging local benefits from the conservation of forest resources, and compensating costs induced by wild animals can minimise negative attitudes, thereby contributing to the enhancement of local communities’ positive attitudes towards forest resource conservation.

Human-wildlife conflict and community perceptions towards wildlife conservation in and around a biodiverse National Park, northern Ethiopia

BackgroundHuman-wildlife conflict (HWC) is forecasted to increase globally in the vicinity of protected areas and covers various dimensions. It occurs in several different contexts and involves a range of animal taxonomic groups where the needs and requirements intersect with humans’ needs and development. More often, human-monkey conflict occurs in developing countries and is amongst the main threats to biodiversity conservation in these regions. Grivet monkeys are slender agile monkeys of the genus Cercopithecus. This study was conducted to investigate the status of human grivet monkey conflict and the attitude of local communities towards grivet monkey conservation in and around Wof-Washa Natural State Forest (WWNSF), Ethiopia from September 2017 to May 2018. A questionnaire survey (143 respondents) was used to study the human-grivet monkey conflict and its conservation status.ResultsThe majority of respondents (male = 67.1%; female = 74.1%) were not supporting grivet monkey conservation due to the troublesome crop-damaging effect of the animal. Respondents having settlements/farmland nearer to the forest have significantly negative perceptions towards grivet monkey conservation than those far from it. The majority of respondents opined that eradication/relocation of grivet monkeys and financial compensation are the options to mitigate human-grivet monkey conflict. Based on the questionnaire result, 42.5 ± SD 8.68 of respondents in all villages elucidated that the main cause of crop damage by grivet monkeys was habitat degradation.ConclusionIn the study area, Human-Grivet Monkey Conflict (HGMC) is exacerbated by the encroachment of local communities into the forest area, exploitation of resources that would be used by grivet monkeys, and enhanced crop damage by grivet monkeys. As a result grivet monkeys have been persecuted as a consequence of crop damage. This was due to the negative attitude developed from human perspective. Thus, awareness creation education programs and feasible crop damage prevention techniques need to be implemented.

The aim of this study is assessment of farmers’ participation in watershed development in case of Kindo Koyisha Woreda since there was no thorough study conducted so far on farmers’ knowledge, Attitude and practice of the watershed management. The study also deals with, identifying factors influencing watershed development in the study area. A purposive sampling procedure was applied to select two kebeles and 120 sample respondents. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The methods of data collection employed include sample survey by administering an interview schedule and focus group discussions. Participation index, descriptive statistics and ordered logit model were used to analyses the collected data. The result descriptive statistics also showed that 27, 52 and 41 respondents were with low, medium and high levels of participation. The estimation of the ordered logit model revealed that out of 17 variables included in the model, 9 variables were found significant at different probability levels. Age, education level of respondents, sex, family size, farm size, extension service and training were positively and significant related to farmers’ knowledge, Attitude and practice of the local community on watershed development. Results of this research and other observations revealed that watershed development activities could only be successful with active participation of the community. For this, raising the awareness and enabling of the community at large and specifically farmers’ at woreda level providing short and long term training and education are required until they reach sustainability and to develop sense of ownership in the development practices. Thus, comprehending the driving factors of farmers’ knowledge, Attitude and practice on watershed development is crucial to improve the response mechanisms related to sustainable management of natural resource in the study area.

This article is based on a study carried out in buffer zone of Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP), which lies in Kanchanpur district of Nepal. It is aimed to assess nature and extent of crop damages, livestock depredation and human casualties, and to identify local people's attitude towards wildlife conservation and management. Primary data was collected through preliminary field visit, questionnaire survey of households, key informant interviews, focus group discussion and direct field observation. Paddy was major crop damaged by wild animals, followed by wheat and maize. Wild boar followed by elephant and deer were found as the most problematic animals causing crop damage, while common leopard was found as the major culprit for livestock depredation. The proximity to the national park was found determining factor to the extent of damage caused by the wild animals. People’s attitude towards wildlife conservation was found to be positive; however, more than 85% of respondents showed dissatisfaction towards park authorities’ effort for conflict management. Active participation of local people in conservation and awareness program can play a vital role to reduce and mitigate the human wildlife conflict at community level.

Simple SummaryThis research paper presents a comprehensive study of the patterns of conflicts between humans and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Guthichaur rural municipality, Jumla, Nepal. Through semi-structured interviews with villagers, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, this study explores the extent of crop damage, livestock depredation, and human injuries caused by black bears from 2009 to 2019. It was found that crop damage was the most significant form of conflict, followed by livestock depredation and human casualties. This study identifies anthropogenic activities, such as human encroachment into bear habitats and agricultural practices near forests, as primary drivers of these conflicts. Importantly, this research proposes measures to mitigate these conflicts, including initiating compensation schemes for losses, establishing electric fences for crop protection, and launching educational programs. These recommendations, rooted in local practices and conservation efforts, show promise for managing conflicts in regions facing similar challenges with black bears. This paper fills a critical gap in understanding the dynamics of human–bear conflicts in Nepal, contributing valuable insights into wildlife management and conservation strategies. Its findings are significant for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists aiming to develop sustainable solutions for human–wildlife coexistence.Our study assessed patterns of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus)–human conflicts within the Guthichaur rural municipality, Jumla, Nepal. Through semi-structured interviews with villagers, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs), we gathered black bear–human conflict information from 2009 to 2019. We identified three primary types of black bear–human interactions: crop damage, livestock depredation, and human injuries. Of these, crop damage (77.03%) emerged as the most prevalent issue. Notably, peak occurrences were observed during autumn (September–October) typically between 9 PM and 3 AM. Livestock depredations were more frequent during nighttime in April–August, with cows/ox (70.12%) being the most depredated animal. Our data also revealed five recorded cases of black bear attacks on humans, which transpired from September to October, primarily in farmland areas in varying years. Despite a prevailing negative perception of bears, a notable level of support exists for their conservation efforts among local communities. Furthermore, these conflicts could be mitigated by reinforcing indigenous crop protection methods and implementing targeted mitigation strategies, as observed in other regions with successful black bear–human interaction management.

The study was conducted in Harenna Forest between March and June, 2016, with the objectives of assessing the conservation opportunities and local community attitudes towards wildlife in the communities. Questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. A total of 340 respondents were included for household questioner by systematic random sampling method while 11 respondents were purposively selected and for an in-depth interview survey. The data revealed that in terms of the opportunities of wildlife conservation, respondents’ responses mostly agreed for the existence of benefit sharing between locals and government (50%), presence of conservation organizations (89.7%), local communities are well aware and keen on wildlife (68.9%), community participation to conserve wildlife (78.5%), full sense of ownership towards the forest and wildlife (74.2%), management programmes implementation (78.6%), high priority of government bodies for conservation (89.1%) and an education and awareness creation program (74.1%). Out of the total respondents, 19 (5.59%) opposed the existing wildlife conservation systems, while 317 (93.23%) supported. Despite these existing wildlife conservation opportunities, wildlife continue to be threatened in and around the Harenna forest through overgrazing by livestock, firewood collection, settlement and agriculture expansions and wildfires. In addition, local community pays less attention to conservation of forest and wild animals. This study therefore, recommend that, enhancement awareness creation programme and involvement of local people in the participation of wildlife in Harenna Forest Conservation Area.

Human-wildlife conflict threatens wildlife conservation, especially in areas where humans, livestock, and wildlife share landscapes. These conflicts intensify during droughts. Our study examined the socio-economic impacts of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) around Alemsaga Forest, Northwest Ethiopia.. Household survey data were collected from 264 respondents using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and direct observation. We set up experimental plots to estimate wildlife-caused crop damages. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and the chi-square test. Most respondents identified crop damage (56%) and livestock depredation (34%) as the primary causes of human-wildlife conflict. The causes of human-wildlife conflict varied significantly among villages (P < 0.05) across the study area. Anubis baboon (Papio anubis) 31%, vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) 27%, wild pig (Sus scrofa) 21.2%, porcupine (Hystrix cristata) 11.4%, and rodents 9.5% were responsible for the crop damages. Common jackal (Canis aureus) 48.1%, spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) 32.2%, and leopard (Panthera pardus) 19.7% were reported as the major livestock predators. The field experiments showed that on average, wildlife caused the loss of 596.6 kg/ha/year of maize, valued at $234, and 476 kg/ha/year of barley, valued at $153. Guarding (58.3%), chasing (30.3%), physical barriers (7.5%), and smoking (3.8%) were the most common traditional management techniques against crop-raiding and livestock depredation. The study suggests growing non-palatable cash crops near forests, establishing communal guarding systems, providing alternative employment, and educating the community on wildlife values to reduce conflict. Additionally, compensating farmers and designating forests as wildlife reserves are essential for harmonious coexistence and conservation.

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) can cause substantial losses. Compensation for such losses is essential to foster positive community attitudes toward wildlife conservation. Monetary compensation for the loss of human life, injury, crop and property damage, or livestock depredation by wildlife is a common strategy for mitigating HWC. We analyzed inter-specific, spatial, inter-annual and seasonal variation in human-wildlife conflicts, conflict outcome and the associated monetary costs of compensation in Kenya during 2007-2016. A total of 18,794 compensation claims were filed with the Kenya National Compensation Scheme (KNCS) during 2007 - 2016. Snakes made the greatest contribution to the total cases (44.8%, = 8,423), human fatalities (43.1%, = 614) and human injuries (76.9%, = 7,772). Elephant was the second leading conflict species (22.3%, = 4,181) and was responsible for 18.8% ( = 266) of human deaths and over 75% of crop and property damage. Spotted hyena, leopard and lion caused 85% of livestock predation cases. The intensity and outcome of conflicts varied across counties such that most human fatalities occurred in arid Tana River and Wajir counties, whereas most human injuries occurred in Kitui and Wajir counties. The intensity of conflicts was strongly influenced by the agro-climatic potential and percentage of a county under protection, rainfall and temperature and their interactions. In consequence, crop damage was highest in counties with high agricultural potential (Meru and Taita Taveta) but livestock predation was highest in counties with large protected areas (Samburu and Taita Taveta). Human fatality and injury were higher among males than females and adults than children. Over the 10-year period, the Kenya Government spent about 3 billion Kenya shillings on compensation of about 30% of all filed claims. Compensation schemes require sustainable funding mechanisms and effective administration to minimize negative unintended consequences. Key words: Human-wildlife conflicts, compensation, snake bites, attack on humans, livestock predation, crop raiding, rainfall, temperature, human population growth.

Wildlife conservation perspective generally refers to the attitude of local people living in and around protected areas towards conservation of wild animals and plant species in their natural habitat. Socio-economic dependency of rural communities on natural resources very often for livelihood purposes leads to negative attitudes towards conservation. Rising human population, intensified land use, human pressure on animals, modification of natural resources, habitat fragmentation and lack of foresight in the implementation of policies have been linked with disputes affecting the rural communities living in and around protected areas and their socio-economic development. Information on perceptions and attitudes of local communities is important to identify proper management programmes and strategies that best suit the conservation of biodiversity alongside the socio-economic development of local communities dependent on forests for their livelihood. Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in the southern part of Assam. The sanctuary is important biologically as it supports the Cachar Tropical Evergreen Forest and many rare and unique species. In recent times, anthropogenic pressure on forest and wildlife is on the rise because of the increasing human population around the sanctuary. In the present study, conservation studies were undertaken among the fringe villagers of Borail Wildlife Sanctuary (i) to understand attitude and perception towards forest and wildlife conservation, and (ii) to assess their socio-economic dependency on forest and wildlife. The fringe villagers of Borail Wildlife Sanctuary were found to possess a positive attitude towards the sanctuary as a whole which is essential for participatory conservation and management programme in this protected area situated in the vulnerable eco-region of north east India. The dominance of utilitarian value among the local communities indicate towards their social and economic dependency on the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary, particularly for collecting firewood, constructing huts (kutcha houses), cultivation of beetle vine (pan jhum) etc. Acceleration of soil erosion and accentuation in the variability of rainfall distribution as a result of long term shifting cultivation in Borail Wildlife Sanctuary might be detrimental for conservation of wildlife and biodiversity. This necessitates sanctuary-community interaction for strengthening the sanctuary-community relationship in order to persuade the local communities to take up alternative forms of livelihood in order to protect the sanctuary. However, the local villagers were not willing to take part in the current conservation activities which may be attributed to their low level of education and lack of environmental awareness. The traditional beliefs of a section of fringe villagers particularly in protecting non-human primates and banyan trees hold key to participatory wildlife and biodiversity conservation programmes, which the government agencies, policymakers as well as non-governmental organizations might utilize for successful protected area management coupled with enhanced education and creation of awareness among local communities. Moreover, creation of wildlife corridors across the national highway might help save many wild animals of the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary (which is particularly rich in reptile biodiversity) from road kills by speeding vehicles.

Human–wildlife conflict poses significant ecological and socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural communities where agriculture and livestock rearing form the backbone of livelihoods. Despite the growing importance of this issue, District Lakki Marwat remains an unexplored area of northwest Pakistan. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically assessing the status, economic impacts, and community perceptions of five wildlife species: wild boar (Sus scrofa), grey wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Using semi-structured surveys with 117 respondents, we analyzed species prevalence, perceived danger levels, crop damage patterns, and predation impacts on livestock and poultry. The findings revealed that wild boars were identified as the primary contributors to agricultural damage, with total annual crop losses surpassing the economic impacts attributed to the studied carnivores. On average, each surveyed household experienced an annual loss of PKR 4510.38. For the 39% of households reporting crop damage, the annual loss per reported household was PKR 11,727, which was higher than the average annual loss across all households, underscoring the severity of the impact on those specifically affected by the wild boar-related crop damage. Notably, community attitudes were most negative toward wild boars, a pattern driven by the economic burden of crop losses, challenging the conventional focus on carnivores as the primary conflict species. A Pearson’s X2 test confirmed strong associations between species and perceived danger levels, while regression analysis demonstrated an association between crop damage and negative attitudes. Traditional deterrents like thorn fences were found ineffective against wild boars. More advanced methods, including game-proof fencing, trenches, bio-fencing, crop rotation, audio and visual deterrents, taste and order repellents, and watchtowers combined with group vigilance, are recommended to reduce crop damage. Integrating these approaches with community-based education, habitat management, and government-supported compensation schemes can mitigate wild boar impacts. This study contributes new insights into multi-species HWC dynamics, demonstrating that community perceptions are primarily shaped by the economic impact of a species, regardless of whether it is a carnivore or an omnivore. The attitudes of local communities are driven by the financial losses incurred, rather than the species' behavior or ecological role. This study underscores the need for collaborative efforts to reduce human–wildlife conflict, foster coexistence, and ensure ecological balance in vulnerable rural areas.