Human-wildlife conflict in and around Yayu Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

wildlife conflict exists in different forms all over the world and experienced more in developing countries. Presently in Southwestern Ethiopia wild animals compete for resource with human being and in conflict with each other. This study on human-wildlife conflict was conducted in Yayu Biosphere Reserve, in Yayu Woreda, Ilubabor zone, Oromia National Regional State, Southwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out from September 2013 to June 2014.Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire, FGD and direct observation. Five wild animal species were identified, namely grivet monkey (Cercopithecusaethiops),anubis baboon(Papioanubis), bush pig(Potamochoeruslarvatus),colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) and blue monkey (Cercopithecusmitisboutourlinii).Among these wild animals, grivet monkey, anubis baboon and bush pig were the top ranked crop raiding wild animals respectively. Mean total count of wild animals in the selected study sites was 71.00±4.24 and 81.00±8.48 for grivet monkey, 61.00±4.24 and 60.50±4.94 for anubis baboon, 46.50±4.94 and 44.50±4.94 for bush pig in Hamuma and Bondewomegela site respectively. From the total planted maize crop, 12,240 (47.9%) was damaged. More damage occurred during the wet season than dry season. Large number of crops was damaged by wild animals during flowering and ripening stages. The respondents reported that, 97.4% cause of human-wildlife conflict was crop raiding. About 88.8% of the respondents in the study area explained that they use firewood and fodder wood for house construction together and 5.1% for firewood. The result showed that, 99% of the respondents reported increasing tendency of crop damage by wild animals. Respondents used guarding, chasing, fencing and scarecrow to defend crop raiding. There was strong conflict between wild animals and the surrounding people in the area. Therefore, possible solutions such asfarmers need to identify thecrops that are not mostly preferred to the pest wild animals should be met to alleviate the problem. Key word: Crop damage, Human wildlife conflict, Yayu Woreda