Living with Problem Animals—Self-Reported Fear of Potentially Dangerous Species in the Serengeti Region, Tanzania

Abstract

We examined the relationship between self-reported fear of large carnivores and the demographic characteristics of villagers living in a rural district adjacent to SerengetiNational Park in Tanzania. Data were obtained from 593 respondents living in 8 villages. The intensity of verbally expressed attitudes was heavily dependent on whether the attitude object was of a general or a specific category. Level of self-reported fear was much higher for specific species of large carnivores than for broad verbal categories like concern over safety due to carnivores in general. Women were more afraid than men. The elderly expressed lower fear than other age groups, but only in response to the general category question. Level of fear was positively correlated with educational level. For almost all questions, villagers living further away from the national park expressed more fear than villagers living closer to the park. Fear can influence attitudes toward wildlife. Understanding whether encounters with wildlife are experienced as positive or negative can help in forming management strategies that are effective in reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Troublesome neighbours: Changing attitudes towards chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in a human-dominated landscape in Uganda

“…However, men may simply be less inclined to admit fearing wild animals (cf. Campbell 2009;Kaltenborn et al 2006). Nonetheless, adult male chimpanzees in Bulindi also display notably bold and aggressive behaviour towards men (McLennan 2010a), including researchers (McLennan & Hill 2010).…”

“…Although human encroachment and modification of natural habitats is associated with declines in many animal populations, certain taxa can adapt to anthropogenic landscapes, for example by incorporating cultivated foods or livestock into their diets, which brings them into conflict with humans (Clarke 1953;Engeman et al 2010;Knight 2003;Osborn & Hill 2005;Palmeira et al 2008;Pérez & Pacheco 2006;Treves & Karanth 2003). Additionally, certain wildlife, particularly species of large mammal, present an actual or perceived risk to human safety in shared landscapes, and may be feared by local people (Campbell-Smith et al 2010;Kaltenborn et al 2006;Nyhus et al 2000;Quigley & Herrero 2005). Aside from the continuing availability of suitable habitat and resources for wild animals, long-term human-wildlife sympatry is dependent on the willingness and capacity of local people to coexist with wildlife.…”

Factors affecting attitudes of local people toward the red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) in Kondoa District, Tanzania

“…Attitudes can influence our decisions, guide our behaviours and impact what we selectively remember. Attitudinal studies can also help to evaluate public understanding, acceptance of wildlife and the impacts of conservation programs despite the negative factors that can create negative attitudes (Dar et al, 2009;Kaltenborn et al, 2006;Kideghesho et al, 2007;Røskaft et al, 2007). Generally, attitudes toward the conservation of wildlife are mostly influenced by the benefits that people gain, as well as the negative consequences that they acquire (Gereta and Røskaft 2010; Gillingham and Lee, 1999;Hemson et al 2009;Kaltenborn et al, 2006;Røskaft 2012;Røskaft et al, 2007).…”

Ethnobiology, Political Ecology, and Conservation

“…Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a critical and widespread issue of concern for conservationists (Treves et al 2006;Woodroffe et al 2005;Zabel and HolmMüller 2008) and a challenging aspect for most wildlife management actions around the globe (Kaltenborn et al 2006;Treves et al 2006). Wildlife and humans compete for space and resources, so HWC occurs when the needs and behavior of wildlife have a negative impact on the goals of humans or vice versa (Conover 2002;Madden 2004;Sitati 2003;Vaske and Manfredo 2004;Walpole et al 2003).…”

“…Thus, people are inadequately empowered to deal with HWC and might feel that wildlife is given priority over their own needs (Chappell et al 2013;Knight 2006;Madden 2004;Taylor and García-Barrios 1999). This produces complexity in rural livelihood patterns, so that understanding relations with wildlife and psychological attitudes depends on adopting contingency-bound social analysis (e.g., Zimmermann 2009a, 2009b;Kaltenborn et al 2006;Manfredo and Dayer 2004;Marker et al 2003;Palmeira et al 2008;Sitati et al 2003Sitati et al , 2005Tourenq et al 2001;Treves and Karanth 2003;Zimmermann et al 2005).…”