Humans-livestock predators conflict in the Central and Eastern Part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

A significant human-livestock predator conflict is evident in the Central and Eastern part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Over the past decade, 3,320 livestock were predated, costing households approximately $347,460.53, which constitutes 27.45% of their monthly income. Major predators include spotted hyenas, olive baboons, and Ethiopian wolves, with sheep and cattle being the primary targets. The study attributes this conflict to human settlement, agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation for charcoal production, and deliberate fires. Mitigation efforts are suggested to focus on securing livestock enclosures, providing regular compensation, and raising awareness about the importance of protected areas.

Sebsibe, I. (2022). Humans-livestock predators conflict in the Central and Eastern Part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. BMC Ecology and Evolution, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-022-02065-y