Individual Heterogeneity in Use of Human Shields by Mountain Nyala

Mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, strategically use human settlements as protective shields against nocturnal predation by spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), demonstrating a nuanced, scale-dependent response to human presence. While nearly all individuals occasionally move closer to human settlements at night—when they are most vulnerable to hyena attacks—the frequency of these excursions varies significantly among individuals, ranging from 0% to 71%. This behavior persists year-round and is not tied to seasonal crop availability, suggesting a deliberate adaptation rather than opportunistic foraging. The study, which radio-marked 15 nyala (seven females and eight males) over two years, also confirmed that hyena activity decreases near human settlements, validating the existence of a lower-risk zone. This finding contrasts with previous research showing negative large-scale impacts of humans on nyala distribution, highlighting how wildlife may exploit localized human presence for survival benefits.

Atickem, A., Loe, L. E., & Stenseth, N. Chr. (2014). Individual Heterogeneity in Use of Human Shields by Mountain Nyala. Ethology, 120(7), 715–725. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.12242