article · International Journal of Ecology
Borena Sayint National Park in northeastern Ethiopia faces notable human-wildlife conflict as local human populations interact with surrounding wildlife. An assessment based on community surveys, focus groups, and field observations revealed that seventy percent of local respondents experienced conflict, largely driven by crop destruction and livestock predation. Identified livestock predators include leopards, spotted hyenas, golden jackals, and hamadryas baboons, while geladas, rabbits, porcupines, and small ungulates were noted as primary crop raiders. Despite recurring asset losses, nearly fifty-eight percent of residents expressed a positive attitude towards wild animal conservation, though thirty-six percent held negative views. Community perceptions varied significantly across different villages, underscoring the uneven distribution of conflicts. Targeted mitigation measures are necessary to curb damage and support sustainable wildlife management across the park.
Balancing community livelihoods with biodiversity preservation is essential for effective national park management. By documenting specific pest species, predator patterns, and local perceptions, conservation authorities can understand community grievances. This knowledge enables park managers to design targeted interventions that protect agricultural assets while preserving local support for wildlife protection in vulnerable ecosystems.
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Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has increased globally because of an increase in the human population, particularly in developing countries. This study was conducted to investigate the status of HWC and the attitude of local communities to wildlife conservation around Borena Sayint National Park, Northeastern Ethiopia. Data were collected between September 2017 and May 2018 using a face-to-face questionnaire survey (230), focus group discussions (7), and direct observation on the crop foraging. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the responses were compared using a nonparametric Pearson chi-square test. The majority of respondents (70%) reported the existence of HWC manifested because of the damage received to their assets (both crop and livestock). Canis aureus, Panthera pardus, Crocuta crocuta, and Papio hamadryas were stated as livestock depredators. Gelada, rabbit, porcupine, klipspringer, bushbuck, and duiker were considered as the major crop raiders. Over half (57.83%) of the respondents had a positive attitude, while others (36.09%) had a negative attitude towards the conservation of wildlife due to frequently faced problems. Respondents in different villages differed significantly (χ2 = 27.385, DF = 12, <a:math xmlns:a="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1"> <a:mi>P</a:mi> <a:mo><</a:mo> <a:mn>0.05</a:mn> </a:math> ) in their attitude towards wildlife. Possible mitigation actions need to be undertaken to reduce the wildlife damage such that wildlife can sustainably be managed in the park.
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DOI: 10.1155/2021/6619757
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