Poaching of Buffaloes in Western Ethiopia, Diga Woreda, Lalisa Dimtu District
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A study on the poaching of buffaloes in western Ethiopia, Oromia Regional State, East Wollega Zone, Diga Woreda, Lalisa Dimtu district (Figure 1) was conducted from October 2015 to June 2016. Data on the impacts of poaching on buffaloes in the study area was collected based on the questionnaire survey, field observations and focus group discussions. Data on the reasons behind buffalo poaching in the study area was conducted based on the case study, questionnaire survey and discussion with key informants. Questionnaires, relevant published and unpublished literature, GPS, binocular, camera, data sheets, topographic map of the area and its surroundings (1: 200,000) and other necessary field gears were materials used for this study. Poaching of buffaloes exists in all over the world and experienced more in developing countries. The present study indicated that the practice of poaching in Lalisa Dimtu district area was common and frequently exercised as a culture. Therefore, main motive for the activities of poaching was a cultural heritage passed down from their ancestors. The presence of freshly killed buffalo, remains of dead buffaloes and trophies hanged up on the wall or in front of the poacher’s house indicate as poaching of buffaloes still practiced in the area. This hanging of trophy is not discouraged by any authority in the study area. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impacts of poaching on buffaloes and with special emphasising of the buffalo’s conservation strategy in Diga Woreda, Lalisa Dimtu district. Poaching of buffaloes in the study area result in disturbance and migrations of buffaloes out of the study area, and the fear of peoples in the presence of buffaloes in the study area was till observed. These findings of the study were important in making management decisions on poaching and it was base line for future monitoring of buffaloes conservation of the study area.
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Poaching of Buffaloes, in Western Ethiopia