Human-Hamadryas baboon conflict in and around Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia

Human-Hamadryas baboon conflicts in Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia, are significantly driven by agricultural expansion and human settlement encroachment near baboon habitats. A study found that 72.7% of surveyed households reported losses of both crops and livestock, with beans and peas being the most frequently raided crops, while sheep and goats were primarily affected livestock. Conflict intensity was highest within 2 km of baboon sleeping cliffs (P ≤ 0.001), particularly affecting middle-aged livestock. Farmers mitigated conflicts through guarding and sowing less vulnerable crops (40.9%). The study highlights the urgent need for habitat management and community-based mitigation to ensure sustainable coexistence between humans and Hamadryas baboons, as both populations face threats from human disturbance and population pressure.

Derebe, B., & Ashagrie, M. (2026). Human-Hamadryas baboon conflict in and around Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. Discover Applied Sciences, 8(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-026-08480-w