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Human-Wildlife conflict in Human dominated landscapes in the surrounding Kebeles of Alage ATVET College, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
  • Zelalem Temesgen,
  • Girma Mengesha,
  • Teferra Belay
Zelalem Temesgen
Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Girma Mengesha
Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources
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Teferra Belay
Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources
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Abstract

The study is aimed to investigate the nature and extent, and assess perception of local community towards wildlife. A total of 140 household heads were selected randomly from nine survey villages using structured and semi-structured questionnaire for interviews. Focus group discussion, key informant interview and personal observation were held used to achieve the study objectives. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and responses compared using Chi-square test (2 tailed), one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient. Besides, Likert scale statements were used to assess the attitudes of local people towards wildlife conservation. About 47.1% of sampled respondents thought that they experienced livestock predation whereas 57(40.7%) of the respondents faced both crop damage and livestock predation problems. A total of 932.43TLU livestock and 218 Dogs losses reported by households due to predators over the last five years. Thus, large numbers (848.6TLU livestock and 218 Dogs) of attack was happened due to Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta). The frequency of livestock predation (F = 8.157, df = 8, P < 0.05) and type of predators involved (χ2=79.719, df = 8, p <0.05) were significantly differ across study villages. Nearly half, 69(49.3%) of respondents ranked Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) as primary crop raider. Whilst majority of the respondents 115(82.1%) perceived Maize was frequently and severely damaged cereal crop. Most 80 (57.1%) respondents used different methods simultaneously to minimize damage caused by wild animals. Nearly half, (48.6%) of respondents had negative and strong negative attitude towards wildlife conservation. Level of education and amount of money imposed as penalty for illegal grazing were the most important factors affecting the local community attitudes towards wildlife conservation. Improve livestock husbandry, use appropriate guarding methods, education and make the community the actor of conservation would be vital to enhance the peaceful co-existence between human and wildlife in the study area.
05 Feb 2021Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
09 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
09 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
10 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Mar 20211st Revision Received
29 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
29 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
29 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
03 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Aug 20212nd Revision Received
26 Aug 2021Submission Checks Completed
26 Aug 2021Assigned to Editor
26 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Sep 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
16 Nov 20213rd Revision Received
17 Nov 2021Submission Checks Completed
17 Nov 2021Assigned to Editor
17 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Accept