Livestock Management Strategies Research Articles

Climate-smart agriculture in India: Greenhouse gas mitigation strategies

This review paper examines Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) as a crucial approach to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from India's agriculture sector. It analyzes various CSA practices implemented in India, focusing on their effectiveness in reducing emissions while enhancing food security and farmer livelihoods. The paper explores crop management techniques like improved varieties, nutrient management, and water management, alongside soil management practices such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry. Additionally, it delves into livestock management strategies, including improved feeding practices and manure management. The review highlights the role of government policies and programs in promoting CSA adoption, such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and the Parampara at Krishi Vikas Yojana. Challenges hindering wider CSA adoption, including financial constraints, lack of awareness, and data gaps, are discussed. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to address these challenges and leverage opportunities like strengthening extension services, promoting farmer-to-farmer learning, and utilizing technology to unlock the full potential of CSA in India.

Effects of Different Dietary Combinations on Blood Biochemical Indicators and Rumen Microbial Ecology in Wenshan Cattle.

With the continuous optimization of feed ingredients in livestock production, barley has garnered significant attention as a potential substitute for corn in feed. This study aims to investigate the effects of replacing part of the corn and soybean meal with barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal on Wenshan cattle, focusing on the rumen microbial community, blood physiological and biochemical indicators, and growth traits. Through an intensive feeding experiment with two different dietary ratios, we found that adding barley to the diet significantly reduced the host's blood lipid concentration and significantly increased the height, body length, heart girth, and average daily weight gain of Wenshan cattle. Analysis of the rumen microbial community structure showed that the addition of barley significantly affected the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with the relative abundance of Spirochaetes being significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The dominant bacterial groups mainly included Acinetobacter, Solibacillus, and Lysinibacillus. In summary, this study reveals the potential of different feed ingredient ratios involving barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal in the production performance of Wenshan cattle. By regulating blood physiology and improving the rumen micro-ecological structure, it provides new scientific evidence for optimizing livestock and poultry feeding management strategies. Future research will further explore the optimal application ratio of barley under different feeding conditions and its long-term impact on animal health and production performance.

Continuity and change in animal husbandry during the Later Iron Age of Britain

AbstractThe Later Iron Age in Britain was a transformative period: material culture, settlement patterns, technology, trade networks, and the structures of power changed, ultimately leading to the Roman invasion. This paper examines the significance of investigating animal economies in this period within the broader context of socio‐economic developments. It reviews the available evidence regarding animal economies in this period, integrates new osteometric analyses, and discusses diachronic changes using the Roman evidence on a comparative basis. The investigation shows a broad pattern of continuity of practice, with relatively uniform livestock types and management strategies until the very end of the Iron Age. This suggests that the trajectory of local farming practices was largely independent from Mediterranean developments. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Iron Age societies and their response to external influences, while also informing future research directions in archaeology.

Shepherding the past: High-resolution data on Neolithic Southern Iberian livestock management at Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Málaga).

The feeding strategies of the first domesticated herds had to manage the risks arising from the novelty of livestock practices in territories often distant from the animals' primary habitats. The Iberian Peninsula is characterised by a great diversity of environments, which undoubtedly influenced these dynamics. At the beginning of the Neolithic period these led the possibility to combine diverse livestock farming practices based on different animal feeding habits. This variability is also consistent with the rythms of adoption of domesticated animals, being later on the northern area. In order to address this issue, this work focuses on the dietary regimes of early sheep herds from southern Iberia, an area for which information is currently scarce. This study utilises high-resolution radiocarbon dating and stable isotope data on teeth to investigate sheep husbandry management strategies in Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Málaga). The radiocarbon dates on the analysed remains evidenced they were deposited at the site over a short period, supporting the recurrent use of the cave. The sequential analysis of oxygen and carbon isotopes in tooth enamel reveals distinct livestock management strategies, reproduction patterns, feeding habits, and mobility during this short period. This variability demonstrates that livestock management practices in the western Mediterranean are more diverse than previously considered. Furthermore, these findings support the hypothesis that early Neolithic communities in the southern Iberian Peninsula were able to adopt different feeding strategies within the same herd, depending on their ecological and productive needs.

Livestock management at the Late Iron Age site of Baltarga (eastern Pyrenees): an integrated bio-geoarchaeological approach

Despite the important role of livestock farming amongst Iron Age communities living in mountain regions, there is little information about livestock management, and particularly stabling practises, breeding systems, and grazing/foddering patterns. The study of the ground floor of Building G in Tossal de Baltarga has provided valuable insights into these important issues and has given us a better understanding of the social and economic patterns involved in all these livestock activities. It revealed the existence of a stable from the Late Iron Age, thanks to unique in situ finds of the stabled animals, including four sheep, a goat, and a horse, in addition to a range of organic remains preserved by fire and penning deposits. It is the first documented to date in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. Through an integrated bio-geoarchaeological approach, combining a range of analytic procedures, including osteology, dental microwear, stable isotopes, phytoliths, dung spherulite analyses, and thin-section micromorphology, for the first time, this study has provided new, high-resolution evidence of livestock management strategies. Specifically, the research shed light on animal penning and feeding practises, revealing variable herbivorous regimes between species, the practise of seasonal movements, and the possible use of fodder as the main dietary regime of the animals stabled there. At the same time, the Baltarga case-study illustrates an indoor production unit that could reveal possible private control of some domestic animals in the Pyrenean Late Iron Age.

At the onset of settled pastoralism – Implications of archaeozoological and isotope analyses from Bronze age sites in the North Caucasus

Bioarchaeological studies provide a valuable contribution to the understanding of the economy and activities of prehistoric populations in mountain regions. The Late Bronze Age in the Caucasus is an epoch of fundamental transformations that is accompanied by the development of a semi-stationary pastoral economy and ultimately by the emergence of combined mountain agriculture. So far, only a few archaeozoological assemblages from this period have been published. The site of Ransyrt-1 in the North Caucasus offers a substantial collection of bone material from the remains of a mountain sanctuary. Analysis of the animal remains as well as preliminary isotopic analyses of strontium, oxygen, and carbon shed light on animal exploitation at this site. Comparisons with slightly later settlements in the North and South Caucasus illustrate the development of intensive livestock management strategies in the Late Bronze Age in this region at the interface between Southwest Asia and the Eurasian steppe.

Discriminating dietary behaviour between wild and domestic goats using dental microwear texture: first results from a modern reference set and early Neolithic goat exploitation in the southern Levant

Current evidence supports the idea that animal domestication occurred in multiple loci and at different time periods throughout the Near East rather than according to a single origin. In this scenario, the southern Levant is being increasingly considered as another presumed primary centre of goat domestication, alongside eastern Anatolia and the Zagros. Assessing the status (i.e. wild or domestic) of this animal in this region, however, is hampered by the difficulty of morphologically distinguishing domestic goats from their wild relatives. Diet reconstruction is a powerful approach to address this issue since the feeding of managed animals is partially controlled by their owners, unlike free-ranging wild populations. For the first time, we propose to contribute to this question through dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) using confocal microscopy.Characterising how the dietary behaviour of extant wild and domestic goats is reflected in DMTA is critical. For this purpose, we constructed a reference collection composed of three wild goat species (19 Capra pyrenaica from the southern Iberian Peninsula, 12 Capra ibex from the Alps and 12 Capra nubiana from the Near East) and 15 domestic goats (Capra hircus) reared in an extensive system in Mediterranean scrubland areas.The preliminary results indicate that DMTA allows discrimination of the groups of extant goats. The results obtained were used to characterise the palaeodiet of 16 goats (Capra format aegagrus) from two key Early and Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B sites in the southern Levant: Kharaysin (Zarqa, Jordan, ca. 8800-7500 cal BC) and Qarassa (As-Suweyda, Syria, 8700-8200 cal BCE). The higher variability in archaeological goats could be an indicator of controlled feedings. It could also support the hypothesis about diverse and experimental management systems at the first steps of animal domestication.This paper shows the potential of this tool to address the process of early animal domestication. Following this initial work, the reference collection will include a broader spectrum of livestock management strategies and the archaeological corpus will be expanded through new samples during upcoming excavations and the integration of additional sites.

Predictors of brown bear predation events on livestock in the Romanian Carpathians

AbstractLivestock depredation by brown bears is one of the main source of human–wildlife conflict in rural Eastern Europe. Thus, identifying environmental and anthropogenic drivers of human–bear conflict, and developing spatial predictions for predation intensity are critical to mitigate such conflicts. We used 756 records of bear‐caused livestock predation collected between 2008 and 2016 in the Romanian Carpathians and evaluated predictors and spatial distribution of bear livestock predation events (BPEs) using separate binomial generalized linear mixed models for cows, sheep, and other livestock. Despite differences in the direction and magnitude of the effect, the prevalence of BPE for all livestock was driven by the interaction between environmental drivers along with relative bear abundance. Distance from forest was a strong negative predictor for cows and sheep, while distance to villages was a strong negative predictor for cows. Landscape heterogeneity was positively associated with cow and other livestock predation and negatively associated with sheep. Relative bear abundance data collected by wildlife managers was a positive predictor for predation on all livestock. Livestock damage was more prevalent near villages, showcasing plasticity of food resources sought by bears. Our work informs brown bear and livestock management strategies to develop awareness and implement damage prevention measures.

Impact of Agromet Advisory Services of DAMU Project in Mahabubabad District, Telangana, India

Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) are being offered by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme as a step towards providing weather information-based crop or livestock management strategies and operations dedicated to enhancing crop production and food security. The Government of India has entrusted IMD the task of establishing weather observing system and development of GKMS in the country. In pursuance, IMD has set up a network of District Agro-Meteorology Unit (DAMU) in 530 districts in the country. The DAMU project was started at PJTSAU- Mahabubabad, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malyal during 2019 with operational districts of Mahabubabad, Warangal (Rural), Jangaon, Jayashankar Bhupalapalli with an aim to disseminate weather based agro advisory bulletins to locations. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of DAMU project and importance of ICT Tools in dissemination of AAS among farmers by conducting a feedback survey through Google form in Telugu language by randomly selecting 200 beneficiaries belonging to Mahabubabad district. The study revealed that WhatsApp is the most convenient and widely used medium for weather information followed by personal visit to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (i.e, Location of observatory). It was observed that majority of the farmers i.e., 74.6 per cent get weather information through WhatsApp, using these bulletins, 64.5% respondents could save Rupees 2,500-5000 while 35.5% respondents could save Rupees 5000-20,000 in a season by either preponing or postponing the agriculture operations based on weather.

Causes of overgrazing in Inner Mongolian grasslands: Searching for deep leverage points of intervention

The legendary Mongolian Plateau has faced increasing environmental challenges associated with overgrazing, and achieving a sustainability transition for this region needs herders’ participation. However, why herders let grasslands be overgrazed even after property rights were privatized—“the tragedy of privatization”—remains unclear. We aimed to understand the causes of overgrazing in Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, and sought deep leverage points of intervention by examining livestock decision-making processes with semi-structured interviews. We found the following: (1) Herders generally recognized grassland degradation with decreased plant diversity and vegetation height. (2) Nearly half of herders were not satisfied with their current quality of life, especially in terms of income, food security, energy security, and clean water. (3) Herders prioritized economic benefits and food provisioning services of grasslands and did not think of overgrazing as an important cause for grassland degradation. (4) Herders tended to protect their own grasslands but over-exploited leased grasslands. (5) Herders tried to keep a high number of livestock without being able to anticipate climatic and economic fluctuations. (6) The government’s Forage-Livestock Balance policy was widely ignored by herders. We conclude that herders’ zeal for higher living standards, misperceptions about key drivers of grassland degradation, decoupling of herders’ income from grasslands, inability to cope with drought, and ineffective policies together constitute the underlying causes for overgrazing. Future grassland policies should focus more on the deep leverage points of intervention including reducing poverty and economic inequality, improving the grassland property system, reconnecting the long-term health of leased grasslands to herders’ livelihoods, and developing holistic livestock management strategies that integrate science with herders’ traditional ecological knowledge.

Incidence of Tetracycline and Erythromycin Resistance in Meat-Associated Bacteria: Impact of Different Livestock Management Strategies.

The extensive use of antibiotics as growth promoters, or their continued abusive misuse to cure or prevent the onset of bacterial infections as occurs in the intensive farming, may have played a pivotal role in the spread of reservoirs of antibiotic resistance (AR) among food-associated bacteria including pathogens representing risks to human health. The present study compares the incidence of tetracycline and erythromycin resistances in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) from fermented products manufacturing using meat from intensive animal husbandry (industrialized manufacturing Italian salami) and from extensive farms (artisanal sausages facilities pork and llama Argentinean sausages). A higher incidence of tetracycline resistance (TET-R) compared to erythromycin resistance (ERY-R) was observed among the 205 isolates. Unlike CNS strains, the LAB showed a significant correlation between the TET-R and the ERY-R phenotypes. Genotypic assessment shows a high correlation with tetK and tetM for the TET-R strains and with ermB and ermC for the ERY-R strains. Multiple correspondence analyses have highlighted the association between AR phenotypes and CNS species isolated from Italian salami, while the susceptible phenotypes were associated with the LAB species from Argentinean sausages. Since antibiotic resistance in meat-associated bacteria is a very complex phenomenon, the assessment of bacterial resistance in different environmental contexts with diverse farming practices and food production technologies will help in monitoring the factors influencing AR emergence and spread in animal production.

Arthropod biodiversity associated to European sheep production systems

The rural territories linked to European sheep systems still cover wide areas and provide multiple ecosystems services although the current situation of the associated biodiversity is not fully understood. In this study the foliage arthropods (including pollinators), the vegetation cover and height, the number of flowers and plant species richness were evaluated in 9 sheep grazed lands from 5 EU countries with different livestock management strategies and dominant vegetation. The total abundance of arthropods, the abundance of Diptera and Heteroptera, sward height and plant species richness were higher in more extensive than in more intensively managed farms. The total abundance and the abundance of most of the orders were highest in mountain areas (MP) and lowest in improved pastures (IMP) whereas the total arthropod richness showed no differences and the richness of pollinators was lower in IMP than in MP (p < 0.01) and semi-natural pastures (SN, p < 0.01). The grass cover was higher in IMP than in the rest of the areas whereas forb cover was higher in SN than in IMP (p < 0.01). The plant species richness peaked in MP whereas the number of flowers showed no significant differences. Sward height correlated positively with forb cover, plant species richness, the richness of the whole arthropod community, the abundance of several orders like Araneae, Diptera or Homoptera, as well as with the richness of the pollinator community. The community composition of the total arthropod fauna (p < 0.01) and the pollinators in particular (p < 0.05) differed between management strategies and more diverse groups were linked to the areas under more extensive management. Both communities (total and pollinators) also differed in composition between the types of vegetation (p < 0.01) and less diverse assemblages with low abundant taxa were associated to IMP and SN whereas more diverse groups were linked to MP and grassland-forest (WP) in both cases. A better understanding of the flora-fauna dynamics in sheep grazed pasturelands is essential for the proper conservation of the biodiversity and other ecosystem services, as well as for the maintenance of sustainable sheep systems relying on the natural resources.

Lentic Meadows and Riparian Functions Impaired After Horse and Cattle Grazing

ABSTRACTPerennially and intermittently available water in lentic, spring‐fed herbaceous meadows supports wetland plants that build and maintain absorbent soil organic matter, capture sediment, prevent erosion, and thereby sustain riparian ecosystems. Enhanced forage and available water attract a diversity of wildlife and grazing animals that can degrade riparian vegetation through prolonged overuse. We tested novel monitoring methods and adapted existing methods to obtain quantified vegetation data that have been consistently linked to riparian functionality and compared these data to ungulate species use. We quantified ungulate use with time‐lapse cameras at 10 Nevada spring‐fed herbaceous meadows where core greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat, public land grazing allotments, and free‐roaming horse (Equus caballus) herd management areas (Bureau of Land Management) or territories (U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) overlapped. Free‐roaming horses used most study sites over longer periods and grazed more intensely than cattle or domestic sheep. Native ungulate grazing intensity was comparatively negligible. Free‐roaming horses selected spring‐fed meadow sites on average 51 (±33 [SE]) times more than the surrounding rangelands, and cattle selected them 30 ± 23 times more. Within the wettest area of a site, study sites with longer duration of use and higher intensity of use had more soil alteration and bare ground. Riparian ecosystem degradation occurred where meadows had limited rest or recovery time from grazing during the growing season. At all sites we noted loss of riparian function, especially within the hydric areas with the highest potential to grow abundant cover of stabilizing wetland plant species. Transects for monitoring soil alteration and vegetation cover in this hydric location can provide a leading indicator of riparian recovery or degradation and help in adjusting free‐roaming horse population levels or livestock management strategies. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

PEMODELAN SPASIAL EPIDEMIOLOGI FASCIOLIASIS BERDASARKAN ANALISIS FAKTOR RISIKO SEBAGAI STRATEGI PENGELOLAAN TERNAK DI DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA

The government’s efforts of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta/DIY) government for self-sufficiency in meat certainly have obstacles, one of which is the productivity of livestock development which is hampered by parasitic diseases such as Fascioliasis. Fascioliasis is a disease caused by F. hepatica or F. gigantica. To find out the relationship between risk factors for Fascioliasis disease in a spatial region, it can use spatial modeling by integrating remote sensing technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spatial modeling can be used to determine the correlation between risk factors and can also be integrated with secondary data to obtain more comprehensive information. The method used in this study is a combination of various quantitative methods consisting of data processing based on remote sensing and GIS for risk factor analysis. Besides, some variables are not obtained quantitatively, namely livestock management variables obtained by structured interviews with livestock owners and veterinary experts. In general, DIY has a moderate risk level for Fascioliasis parasites. Although there are common levels of risk, the conditions of vulnerability and vulnerability of the constituents may differ, which implies different livestock management strategies.

Trade-offs and synergies of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Climate change adaptation strategies provide a cushion for smallholder farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa against the risks posed by climate hazards such as droughts and floods. However, the decision-making process in climate adaptation is complex. To better understand the dynamics of the process, we strive to answer this question: what are the potential trade-offs and synergies related to decision-making and implementation of climate adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa region? A systematic literature review methodology was used through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement with the four-stage inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify the literature from selected databases (Scopus and Google Scholar). The climate adaptation strategies are organized into five broad categories (crop management, risk management, soil/land management, water management, and livestock management strategies). Evidence suggests that potential trade-offs may arise concerning added costs, additional labor requirements, and competition among objectives or available resources. The synergies, on the other hand, arise from implementing two or more adaptation strategies concurrently in respect of increased productivity, resilience, yield stability, sustainability, and environmental protection. Trade-offs and synergies may also differ among the various adaptation strategies with minimum/zero tillage, comparatively, presenting more trade-offs. The development and promotion of low-cost adaptation strategies and complementary climate adaptation options that minimize the trade-offs and maximize the synergies are suggested. Skills and knowledge on proper implementation of climate change adaptation strategies are encouraged, especially at the local farm level.

Patterns of human interaction with snow leopard and co-predators in the Mongolian western Altai: Current issues and perspectives

Large carnivores can cause considerable economic damage, mainly due to livestock depredation. These conflicts instigate negative attitude towards their conservation, which could in the extreme case lead to retaliatory killing. Here we focus on the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), a species of conservation concern with particularly large spatial requirements. We conducted the study in the Bayan Ölgii province, one of the poorest provinces of Mongolia, where the majority of the human population are traditional herders. We conducted a survey among herders (N = 261) through a semi-structured questionnaire with the aim to assess: the current and future herding practices and prevention measures, herders’ perceptions and knowledge of the environmental protection and hunting laws; the perceived livestock losses to snow leopard, wolf (Canis lupus), and wolverine (Gulo gulo), as well as to non-predatory factors; the key factors affecting livestock losses to these three large carnivores; and, finally, the attitudes towards these three large carnivores. Non-predatory causes of mortality were slightly higher than depredation cases, representing 4.5% and 4.3% of livestock holdings respectively. While no depredation of livestock was reported from wolverines, snow leopard and wolf depredation made up 0.2% and 4.1% of total livestock holdings, respectively. Herders’ attitudes towards the three large carnivores were negatively affected by the magnitude of the damages since they had a positive overall attitude towards both snow leopard and wolverine, whereas the attitude towards wolf was negative. We discuss conservation and management options to mitigate herder-snow leopard impacts. To palliate the negative consequences of the increasing trend in livestock numbers, herd size reduction should be encouraged by adding economic value to the individual livestock and/or by promoting alternative income and/or ecotourism. Furthermore, co-management between government and stakeholders would help tackle this complex problem, with herders playing a major role in the development of livestock management strategies. Traditional practices, such as regularly shifting campsites and using dogs and corrals at night, could reduce livestock losses caused by snow leopards.

From farmers to livestock keepers: a typology of cattle production systems in south-western Burkina Faso

Cattle production is an essential livelihood strategy in south-western Burkina Faso. Although having a distinct cultural role and known to be resistant against African animal trypanosomosis, the Lobi taurine cattle breed is endangered due to its low market value. As the first step in preservation efforts, our study aimed to develop a typology of production systems at the farm level. We used a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions for collecting data on household characteristics, socioeconomic activities, livestock, and access to services. The sample comprised 169 households in three communities. The analytical strategy included factor analysis of mixed data and hierarchical clustering. We identified four distinct types of cattle production systems: (1) sedentary Lobi farms, (2) sedentary crossbreed farms, (3) semi-transhumant Fulani zebu farms, and (4) transhumant Fulani zebu farms. Significant factors in developing this typology were the farmers’ ethnic group, crop diversity, cattle herd size, cattle herd composition, number of small ruminants, and livestock management strategies. Across all production systems, men were considered being primary decision-makers in cattle production, with women, herders, and children being responsible for specific tasks. All identified production systems are increasingly confronting disease pressure and scarcity of water and land. Future efforts in preservation and breeding will need to respond to these trends in the agroecosystem, integrate risk management measures, and resonate with the specific needs of the different household members involved in cattle rearing.

Close management of sheep in ancient Central Asia: evidence for foddering, transhumance, and extended lambing seasons during the Bronze and Iron Ages

ABSTRACT Pastoralism in Central Asia directed the utilization of natural resources, yet information on livestock management strategies remain scarce. Carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analyses of domesticated sheep teeth are used to identify animal management strategies. Sheep from Kent exhibit an inverserelationship where low δ18O values coincide with high δ13C values, consistent with the foddering of caprines in the winter for this location which occursalongside evidence for an extended lambing season. At the high altitude encampment of Turgen, Bronze Age sheep exhibit low δ18O values that coincide withhigh δ13C values, suggesting that livestock were moved to low altitude pastures in the winter months. Iron Age sheep sequences also have an inverserelationship, where low δ18O values coincide with high δ13C values, yet high δ13C values in the winter suggest that livestock were foddered. Our findingsindicate variation in livestock management strategies with distinct adaptations to local ecologies.

Managing conflicts between local land use and the protection of the Ethiopian wolf: Residents’ preferences for conservation program design features

Conflict over land use is one of the challenges faced by large carnivore conservation programs in human-disturbed landscapes. Designing effective conservation strategies requires an understanding of the socioecological context and people’s preferences towards conservation programs. This study investigates preferences of rural residents for management options defined by conservation program attributes to protect the endangered Ethiopian wolf, Canis simensis, in the Bale Mountains National Park of Ethiopia. The conservation program attributes examined include population targets for the Ethiopian wolf, increases in the size of the protected habitat area, monitoring outposts, local participation in monitoring, and provision of financial incentives to the local residents. Using a scale extended latent class model, we analyse choice experiment data collected from households living inside, adjacent to and outside the park. We find that preferences for the conservation programs are heterogeneous. Proximity to the park and park associated livelihoods influence residents’ preference for the conservation programs. A significant proportion of residents, predominantly agro-pastoralists, prefer increases in the population of the Ethiopian wolf and receiving financial incentives from wolf-related tourism. Addressing local livelihood interests, and promoting alternative livestock management strategies among rural residents, would help ensure tolerance to and the recovery of the wolf population.

Ecological Attributes of Carnivore-Livestock Conflict

Mitigation of carnivore-human conflict due to domestic animal predation represents an imperative challenge. Although livestock management strategies aimed at reducing predation have recently received attention by wildlife managers and producers, the information regarding ecological attributes of studied predators and environmental characteristics of the areas where conflicts occur is largely missing. We conducted a global review to characterize the literature of carnivore-livestock conflict, identifying the set of reported predators, and assessing the ecological attributes of these species and areas where predation has occurred. A total of 391 published peer-reviewed research papers on carnivore-livestock conflict containing 783 predation study cases were evaluated. Carnivore-livestock conflict research was largely conducted in Asian and African countries (80% of published studies). Fifty-two carnivores were reported in conflict-related studies being Felidae and Canidae the most frequently studied groups (80% of study cases). Carnivores more often reported to prey on domestic animals exhibit larger home ranges and body masses, and are also subject to larger reductions in their distribution ranges. They also show a generalist habitat behavior, a strictly carnivore diet, and cathemeral activity. Predation of domestic animals consistently increased with vegetation cover, decreased with distance from human settlement and was higher in young animals. The analysis conducted separately for large and meso carnivores showed that predation on domestic animals by large carnivores (> 21.5 kg) increased near protected areas and far from human settlements. Current information regarding conflicts exhibits a notable variation in research effort towards some regions and large-bodied and broadly distributed species. This asymmetry could reflect the role of human perspectives in research based on species-level traits, research facilities and funding opportunities, though also underlies ecological processes induced by land transformation occurring in some regions across the globe. As encroached habitat increases, species with restricted distributions and behaviors, or smaller home ranges such as meso carnivores, will roam into human-dominated landscapes, increasing their probability of interacting with livestock activity. Identifying ecological attributes that distinguish carnivores and areas as “conflict-prone” may contribute to set evidence-based management approaches in frameworks ready to anticipate, reduce or prevent human-carnivore conflict, complementing the use of other strategies.