Challenges of human settlement on wildlife in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia

Human settlement, agricultural expansion, and livestock grazing pose significant threats to wildlife conservation in Bale Mountains National Park. A 2014/2015 study involving 365 households across 10 villages bordering the park revealed that 78% of respondents relied on farming or livestock as primary socio-economic activities, with forage (52%) and farming (25.6%) being key drivers for settlement near or inside the protected area. These pressures have led to deforestation, habitat loss, and vegetation decline, jeopardizing wildlife management efforts. The research highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation education and active measures to mitigate human impact on the park's biodiversity.

Demeke, D. H., & Lemma, T. (2017). Challenges of human settlement on wildlife in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 9(4), 107–114. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijbc2015.1056