Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Case Study in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract:The purpose of this research was to identify the type of human-wildlife conflicts and wild mammals that cause the conflict, determine the extent of damage and to provide a better understanding of the causes of human-wildlife conflict in Wondo Genet district. The study was carried out from December 2013 to June 2013. Four sample areas were selected to collect data on human-wildlife conflict; Gotu, Wosha Soyoma and Wethera Kechema villages and Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources. Data were collected using questionnaires, one to one interviews, observations and cross checking of crop loss using quadrants in selected crop lands, reviewing of literature, and was later analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the target population comprised the households living in sampled areas, local administrators and staffs who lived within Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources. The study established that crop damages, livestock killing, human disruption and property destruction were some of the mostly reported damages. The results of the study further indicated that animal species most involved in HWC were warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), bush pig (Potamochoerus larvatus), vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), Olive baboon (Papio anubis), porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Giant mole rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus) and African civet (Civettictis civetta). They were involved mostly in crop raiding/ damage. Most raided crops were maize (Zea mays), sugar cane (Saccharum africanum) and Enset (Ensete ventricosum). Over 75% of the population of Wondo Genet district was affected by crop raiders. Therefore, conservation education is paramount, coherent land use plans should be emphasized to determine where certain crops can be grown.

Impacts of human-wildlife conflict in developing countries

“…Rapid human population growth enhanced human encroachment on previously wild and uninhabited areas for agricultural and other economic activities particularly in African countries. Another study conducted by Fenta (2014) in southern Ethiopia on the sample size of 30 respondents, 63.3% claimed that they encountered with snatching of food items by Baboons and Monkeys and 20% of the respondents indicated that they experienced destruction of property, 10% encounter human disruption when they were sleeping and 10% of the Impacts of Human-Wildlife Conflict…..1235…”

“…Sharing and completion for limited resources will leads to HWC. Crop-riding by wild animals is a common problem all over the world (Fenta, 2014;Gandiwa et al, 2013;Gandiwa et al, 2012;Kate, 2012;Gusset et al,(2009). This conflict is worsening in areas where humans and wild animal's requirements overlap (Gandiwa et al, 2012).…”

Human–wildlife conflict in Mhokwe Ward, Mbire District, North‐East Zimbabwe

“…Human–wildlife conflict (HWC), which occurs when humans and wildlife harm or are a threat to each other in the course of pursuing their needs or interests, represents the most pervasive and complex challenge currently being faced by conservationists and wildlife managers around the world (Fenta, 2014; World Park Congress, 2003). It is a growing problem which threatens lives, livelihoods and the survival of wildlife throughout the world (Granados & Weladji, 2012).…”

Fungal communities associated with forests in the Afromontane region of Ethiopia

“…Wondo Genet natural forest area, where the study on soil fungal community in relation to fire conducted, covers about 797 ha of natural forests land Belaynesh, 2002;Fenta, 2014). The forest is characterized by remnant Dry Afromontane forest patches Belaynesh, 2002;Fenta, 2014) and harbours important fauna and flora (Belaynesh, 2002;Fenta, 2014).…”

“…Wondo Genet natural forest area, where the study on soil fungal community in relation to fire conducted, covers about 797 ha of natural forests land Belaynesh, 2002;Fenta, 2014). The forest is characterized by remnant Dry Afromontane forest patches Belaynesh, 2002;Fenta, 2014) and harbours important fauna and flora (Belaynesh, 2002;Fenta, 2014). The climate is characterized by the Weyna-Dega agro-climatic zone, with a bimodal rainfall pattern: the main rainy season is in the summer and a lesser rainy season is in spring (Belay, 2016;Fenta, 2014).…”