Human-Wildlife Conflict in and Around Anfarara Forest, Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigated human-wildlife conflict in and around Anfarara forest from December 22022 to January 2023. The aim of this study was to identify the main causes of human-wildlife conflict, estimate crop and livestock loss due to wildlife, identify crops and animals commonly killed by wildlife, and identify wildlife species affecting crops and agricultural products. Data were collected through questionnaire survey, focal group discussion and key informants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 and appropriate and descriptive tests. Therefore, descriptive statistics in the form of percentages are used to analyze the state of the economy. Participants and their responses were compared using the chi-square test. Wild animals were found in the following areas: Anubis baboons (Papio anubis), vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), leopards (Panthera pardus), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), African wolves bush pig (Potamocherus larvatus), warthogs (phacochoerus africanus) and porcupines (Hystrix cristata), About 96.55% of the respondents said that the main wild animals causing crop damage are Anubis baboon, followed by vervet monkey (87.06%), and bush pig (70.68%). Participants reported domestic animals being killed by leopards, spotted hyenas, African wolves. Participants reported that competition for resources, crop loss, danger of poaching, increased destruction of land near the forest, and inadequate protection led to human-wildlife conflict around the Anfarara Forest. About 90.51% of the respondents responded that they protect crops by guarding, 83.62% they protect crops by using dogs, 81.03% by making scarecrows and 61.2% use smoke to protect crops. Therefore, awareness and mitigation strategies regarding human-wildlife conflict should be developed in the region.
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Keywords
Conflict, Crop Raiding, Livestock Predation, Predators