IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Frank, L.; Hemson, G.; Kushnir, H.; Packer, C.; Maclennan, S. | |
| Lions, conflict and conservation | |
| 2008 Conference Proceeding | |
Most conflict between people and large carnivores in Africa is due to depredation on livestock, although man-eating does still occur in some areas. In both Laikipia and Kajiado Districts of Kenya, we have found that properly applied age-old livestock husbandry techniques significantly reduce livestock depredation. These include keeping livestock in sturdy bomas (cattle enclosures) with solid gates and impenetrable thorn bush walls at night; deployment of guard-dogs both at night and while herding during the day to warn of carnivores' presence; and vigilant herding of the livestock during the day to ensure that none stray. We have built over 100 'demonstration bomas' in communal areas, and many people have adopted the modest changes recommended to better protect their livestock. In Kajiado, many livestock are lost to predators when they are left outside of bomas overnight. Improving poor herding practices would dramatically reduce conflict between livestock farmers and large carnivores at little cost. Experiments involving the deployment of capable and suitably motivated herders are due to be carried out in the first quarter of 2007. In both of the study sites, there are intractable difficulties in effecting carnivore conservation because of the minimal wildlife-related economic benefits in Kenya for its citizens. Poison is so readily available in Kenya today that people must realize and perceive economic benefits from carnivores if they are to have the motivation to improve husbandry rather than simply getting rid of large predators. Our work in Kenya shows that any other solutions are either temporary, or palliative, or both. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |