Human–hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) conflict in the Wonchit Valley, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Abstract

Understanding the extent of human–primate conflict is crucial to the development of conservation and management strategies. We carried out this study in an unprotected area of central Ethiopia to examine the magnitude of human–hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) conflict and to assess the attitude of local farmers towards baboons in Wonchit Valley. In 2014, we interviewed 119 adult respondents using a structured questionnaire. Local farmers considered hamadryas baboons to be the major pest in the area. All respondents reported that hamadryas baboons caused crop raiding and small livestock predation in the region. Respondents reported that a shortage of fruit producing wild trees and ready availability of crops were the main causes of conflict between farmers and hamadryas baboons. We found that hamadryas baboons damaged cereal crops at dusk and dawn during full moonlight, and most (89.9%) respondents claimed that they were not interested in hamadryas baboon conservation. Our results indicate that human–hamadryas baboon conflict has a strongly negative impact on both baboon conservation and local farmers. We suggest that to mitigate the human–hamadryas baboon conflict, job opportunities such as beekeeping should be introduced in the region.

Feeding ecology and diet of the southern geladas (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) in human‐modified landscape, Wollo, Ethiopia

“…Many primate species exhibit a tendency of consuming crops from the surrounding farmlands (Hill, 2017 ; Kifle & Bekele, 2020a , 2020b ; Seiler & Robbins, 2016 ; Tweheyo et al., 2005 ). For example, Bale monkeys that inhabit fragmented habitats are engaged in crop raiding (Mekonnen et al., 2018 ).…”

“…Thus, many primate species live in human‐dominated landscapes outside protected areas by sharing resources with the local people (Bryson‐Morrison et al., 2017 ; Hockings & McLennan, 2012 ; Isabirye‐Basuta & Lwanga, 2008 ; Lee, 2010 ; Mekonnen et al., 2020 ; Strum, 2010 ). Agricultural expansion and land degradation are the main threats of many primate species inhabiting unprotected landscapes across East Africa (Chapman & Peres, 2001 ; Cowlishaw & Dunbar, 2000 ; Fedigan & Jack, 2001 ; Kifle & Bekele, 2020a , 2020b ). Primates that inhabit such human‐modified areas face numerous socio‐ecological as well as demographic constraints (Fuentes & Hockings, 2010 ; Hockings et al., 2012 ).…”

Investigating factors of metabolic bone disease in baboons (Papio spp.) using museum collections

“…Further, they are known as hardy and diverse dietary generalists who can survive on a nonspecialized diet (Codron et al, 2006 ) and have been known to “raid” anthropogenic spaces for food items (Fehlmann et al, 2017 ). While some raids occur in more urbanized settings, such as Cape Town, South Africa (van Doorn & O'Riain, 2020 ), most are crop raids targeting small farming settlements across Africa (Hill, 2000 ; Kifle & Bekele, 2020 ; Maples et al, 1976 ; Warren, 2009 ). Because of their ability to exploit a variety of natural and anthropogenic food sources, baboons may be able to effectively supplement their nutritional needs through foraging behaviors.…”

Crop Loss and Damage by Primate Species in Southwest Ethiopia

“…Crop damage is the most prevalent form of humanprimate confict across the African continent [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Primate damage to crops results in signifcant economic losses [12].…”

“…Because of their reliance on natural resources, developing countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, are more vulnerable than developed countries [17]. Troughout the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, humanprimate confict is a well-known phenomenon [9][10][11]. Positive encounters, coexistence, and attitudes of tolerance toward primates are all key components of solutions that optimize conservation efectiveness [18].…”