Human-Wildlife Conflict and Population Status of Swayne’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus Buselaphus Swaynei) in Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study on the population status of Swayne’s hartebeest was carried out
in Senkele Swayne’s hartebeest Sanctuary. The ground total count was 283
and 351 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The population
number increased during the dry season because of calving of large number
of adult-females. Illegal resource exploitation, loss of wildlife habitat,
increasing number of settlers and overstocking rate of livestock are the
major problems encountered. Such activities resulted in conflict and wildlife
depletion. Four selected Peasant Associations, 220 household samples were
identified for interview and group discussion. Overstocking rate of livestock
and human pressure in the Sanctuary are the main source of humanwildlife
conflict in the area. Among the respondents, 58.18% faced crop
damage at various levels. Crop damage was not the primary source of
conflict in the area, but the level of damage varying significantly between
villages. Swayne’s hartebeest, vervet monkey, warthog and porcupine were
blamed for the damage. However, warthog was considered as the major
notorious pest. Most respondents had a negative attitude towards
conservation measures. Lack of free access to grazing area and interest to
settle in the wildlife area are the main reasons. Attitudes were significantly
related to locally perceived benefits, education, family size and age of the
settlers. The perception of the local people in conserving and managing the
resources is completely different compared to the views of staff members of
the Sanctuary.
Key words: Human-wildlife conflict, Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary,
livestock, attitude, conservation.
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Keywords
Human-wildlife conflict, Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, livestock, attitude, conservation.