Livestock Depredation by Carnivores in the Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania

Abstract

Data for livestock depredation by wild animals were collected in villages outside Serengeti National Park, northern Tanzania. We tested livestock mortality against distance of the villages from the protected area in relation to carnivore species involved, methods used to protect livestock from being depredated and frequency of livestock diseases. The results indicate that distance from the park significantly influenced livestock depredation with the lowest depredation rates in the villages farthest away. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) was the most destructive wild animal, followed by small carnivores (including baboons) which were most destructive in the medium and far away villages. Methods used to protect livestock from being depredated differed significantly based on the distance from the protected area. Wild animals cause a significant economic loss to households; however, livestock diseases were the main cause of livestock loss in the study area. The highest frequencies of deaths due to diseases were experienced in villages located closest to the protected area. We recommend that all conservation stakeholders support efforts of local communities to improve their enclosures, and develop education programs to improve their livestock husbandry skills. We also recommend that veterinary units be staffed with well-trained personnel, adequate facilities and substantial operational budgets to enable them to adequately function. Also, not only villagers near protected areas, but also any residents, should be helped by veterinary units. Lastly, we recommend an integrated study on livestock and wildlife diseases and their impact on household economies of the local communities.

Household livelihoods and conflict with wildlife in community-based conservation areas across northern Tanzania

“…In addition, conflicts with wildlife near these protected areas impose livelihood costs and contribute to household food insecurity. Attacks by predators on people (Packer et al, 2005) and livestock (Holmern et al, 2007; Røskaft et al, 2013), as well as crop depredation (Gillingham & Lee, 2003; Kaswamila et al, 2007), are frequent. Such conflicts inflict direct economic losses on livestock keepers and farmers, in addition to the opportunity costs of labour devoted to guarding herds and fields.…”

Perceptions of farmers towards carnivores in an Ethiopian protected area

“…Guarding is one of the good livestock husbandry practices followed by keeping under shelter as informed by most household survey and focus group participants as an effective preventative measure to reduce livestock depredation and deescalate the human‐carnivore conflict. Angela et al (2013) reported that guarding of livestock herds used to defend livestock from predators reduces the rate of depredation in African landscapes. Guarding livestock and keeping them under shelter, particularly at night, was a common method in Northern Tanzania to reduce livestock attacks (Hariohay & Roskaft, 2015).…”

“…;Lichtenfeld et al (2015) have strategies are distinctive among localities. Guarding is one of the good livestock husbandry practices followed by keeping under shelter as informed by most household survey and focus group participants as an effective preventative measure to reduce livestock depredation and deescalate the human-carnivore conflict Angela et al (2013). reported that guarding of livestock herds used to defend livestock from predators reduces the rate of depredation in African landscapes.…”

Proximate causes and risks of illegal grazing in Serengeti National Park: Perceptions of livestock keepers

“…In addition, livestock keepers use traditional techniques and weapons such as a machete ( panga ), bow and arrow, and spears to defend their cattle against attacks by dangerous animals. In the Serengeti Ecosystem retaliatory killing by livestock keepers has been implicated in the extirpation of African wild dogs ( Lycaon pictus ) [72, 73].…”