Long-Term Monitoring of Livestock Depredation in Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya

N. Gichohi, F. Warinwa, P. Lenaiyasa, M. Maina, R. Bornham, D. Sambu, P. Muruthi, Noah Sitati Wasilwa

Abstract


Conflict between humans and large carnivores is a key factor driving their population declines in Africa especially in the dispersal areas adjacent to protected areas. We monitored and assessed livestock predation in the community areas around Amboseli National Park between 2009 and 2012 using a network of established and trained community scouts. Using a standardized data collection form, all the depredation cases reported by pastoralists were verified and recorded included; year, month, type of livestock, carnivore species and location. Results indicated high levels of livestock depredation, with attackshighest on shoats (84%) then cattle (14%). Incidences of livestock attacks varied between carnivore species where hyena had the highest incidences (58%) followed by cheetah (22%) and jackal (11%). The economic loss for the four year period tabulated was between US$ 392,000 and 470,588 with 2012 recording the highest loss. However, predation was on a downward unpredictable trend. This could be attributed to the introduction of ant-predation mitigation measures such as predator proof bomas, solar lighting around livestock bomas and awareness creation on good hearing strategies.We recommend a continuous monitoring of livestock predation incidences for long in order to obtain sufficient data that will inform proper trends. Additionally, this will be useful evaluation of the impact of the ongoing adoption of the mitigation strategies by the local Masai community.

 


Keywords


Amboseli National Park, community scouts, livestock,de-predation, carnivores, pastoralists

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