Human-wildlife conflict with special emphasis on pest primates in Sembo Kejo Kebele, East Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess human wildlife conflict with special emphasis on pest primate in Sembo kejo kebele, East Wollega, Ethiopia, from February to September 2014. The main objective of the study was to identify the cause and effect of human wildlife conflicts, to estimate the amount of crops destroyed by primate pest and to estimate the population of primate pest in the study sites. Based on the information obtained from preliminary survey, a structured questionnaire was developed based on applicability to the objectives of the study for gathering information by questionnaires, interview and field observation. Field observation using line transect was used, to estimate the population size of pest primates and estimate crop loss due to pest primates. Structured questionnaires and interview were used for gathering information about crop loss by pest primates. From the study site, three pest species were identified, namely anubis baboon (Papio anubis), Colobus monkey (Colobus abyssinicus) and Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops). The number of adult females was significantly higher than the number of adult males (X2 = 1.1065, p 0.05). Over twenty seven percent of maize was damaged by pest primates from the total estimated maize plant (42,220) and most maize damages were noticed during the tassle and ripen stages. Serious damage was seen in wet season than dry season. Guarding, chasing with dogs and placing the model of man were traditional methods to minimize loss. The people in the study area depended on the forest for different resources such as fire wood, farmland, grazing land and fodder; such activities lead to the degradation of the natural habitat that may drive wildlife to be crop pests. However to reduce the dependency of the local people on the forest, it is better to encourage the local people to given education not to be dependent on clearing forest for means of farmland, instead they should be organize with others and participate in activities like coffee plants and specie cultivation, which is dual benefits in the coming generation for youngster to engage on forest management. Key words: Sembo kejo, East Wollega, Papio anubis, Chlorocebus aethiops, Colobus monkey and HWC