Population Status And Human-Common Warthog (Phacochoerus Aethiopicus) Conflict Around Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess population abundance and human-common warthog (phacochoerus aethiopicus) conflict around abijata shalla lakes national park, central rift valley, Ethiopia from December 2019 to November 2020. The main objective of the study was to evaluate population size and the level of conflict between the local community and the common warthog around the Abijata Shala Lakes National Park, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia.Data were collected through questionnaire, interview, direct observation and focus group discussion and data were analyzed using SPSS computer software package and compared using t-test for independent sample of groups. The population sizes were studied during both wet and dry seasons.The maximum number of common warthog recorded was 216 during the wet season and the lowest 132 during the dry season. The highest population was recorded during august and the lowest in January. The male to female ratio of adults and sub-adults together was 1.00:1.63. Respondents reported habitat disturbance, proximity of natural forest, increased subsistence agriculture and increased of wild animals’ population as causes of HWC. As Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park forest was surrounded by extensive farmlands, the area needs a close follow up and detailed studies to identify current human-wildlife conflict in the area.In general, there was conflict between common warthogs and the surrounding people. Therefore, the park authority should reduce human settlements and expansion of farmlands around the park.