Livestock keeping in carnivore territory: changing behaviours in villages adjacent to Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Consolation payments have been introduced as an important mitigation measure for avoiding human-carnivore conflicts. However, few studies have assessed their impact on changing people’s behaviors toward wild predators. Here, we used questionnaires to assess people’s behaviors toward livestock predation before and after the introduction of consolation payments in three villages near the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, Tanzania. Findings revealed that people’s behaviors toward wild predators changed after the introduction of consolation payments; from hunting/killing the predator after livestock predation to reporting the incident to game scouts. To enhance the sustainability, adequacy, and effectiveness of consolation payments, we recommend regular revision of consolation regulations.