IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library
   

 

View printer friendly
Dickman, A.J.
An assessment of pastoralist attitudes and wildlife conflict in the Rungwa-Ruaha region, Tanzania, with particular reference to large carnivores
2005  Full Book

Human-wildlife conflict is an issue of pressing conservation concern, particularly when it involves threatened species, and accurately identifying the causes of such conflict is fundamental to developing effective resolution strategies. This study investigated attitudes of Maasai and Barabaig pastoralists towards wildlife in central Tanzania, with particular emphasis on five focal carnivore species. Pastoralists reported significant problems with wild animals, particularly carnivores, and results suggested that low levels of retaliatory killing were predominantly due to circumstantial constraints rather than innate tolerance. Number of stock owned and proportion of losses attributed to predators were the most important determinants of conflict examined, with some inter-tribal variation in tolerance. Successful conflict mitigation will depend upon reducing depredation through improved husbandry and improving the cost-benefit ratio of wildlife presence, thereby increasing pastoralist wealth and providing direct, relevant benefits from conservation. Implementing effective conflict resolution schemes should have significant benefits for both human and wildlife populations.

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)