Human Wildlife Conflict: Factors Affecting Coexistence in Dodola Community Conservation Area, Ethiopia

Abstract

In areas where humans and wildlife coexist, resource competition often leads to human- wildlife conflict (HWC), an issue exacerbated by expanding human activity in natural areas, which is a problem affecting human-wildlife coexistence in the Dodola community conservation area. Human wildlife conflict in the study area were investigated using primary data collected from April 25 to July 30, 2024, through questionnaires, household surveys, field observations, interviews, and focus group discussions. The study identified deforestation (74.3%), agricultural expansion (56.9%), and settlement (51.4%) as main causes of HWC. A chi-square goodness-of-fit test revealed significant differences in respondents' perception regarding the causes of conflict (χ² = 56.09, DF = 4, p < 0.001). The study also identified the top five animal species causing property damage: spotted hyena, African wolf, olive baboon, warthogs, and porcupines, with livestock depredation being the most common issue (51.38%), primarily involving spotted hyenas (223 incidents) and African wolves (118 incidents). Sheep were the most affected, accounting for 52.05% of total depredation. A significant difference was found in livestock species killed by predators (χ² = 179.61, DF = 20, P < 0.001). In total, the households reported the loss of 463 livestock, amounting to a cost of $68,136.52 from 2012 to 2016 E.C. The respondents confirmed that guarding the crops often keeps children from attending school. Additionally, 49.3% (n = 71) of the respondents agreed that the guarding system affects sleep during the night, as they protect their livestock from hyenas and other nocturnal predators. The findings underline the urgent need for effective strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote sustainable coexistence. To protect livestock from depredation, the community should install hard fencing and use non-lethal preventions, like noise devices, to keep hyenas and other wildlife away from settlements and agricultural area