Human-wildlife conflict in and around the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Human-wildlife conflict in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, is primarily driven by common jackals, which cause significant problems for local communities, accounting for 57.1% of reported conflicts. Spotted hyenas also pose a threat, with 27% of respondents reporting livestock losses. The study, conducted through surveys of 300 people in 2005 and 2006, found that grazing and firewood collection within the park were negatively correlated with distance from the park, indicating proximity as a key factor in conflict. The research highlights the need for voluntary resettlement of communities near wildlife habitats and alternative resource provision to mitigate conflicts.

Bekele, A., Yihune, M., & Tefera, Z. (2011). Human-wildlife conflict in and around the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.4314/sinet.v32i1.67785