Conflicts between large carnivores and local pastoralists around Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal

A study on Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal reveals that spotted hyenas are the primary cause of livestock predation, accounting for 87% of attacks around the park. The research estimated a hyena population size ranging from 144 to 288 individuals and identified significant seasonal variations, with more livestock losses during the wet season (58%) compared to the dry season (42%). Notably, the West sector surrounding the park experienced the highest conflict levels (49% of attacks), particularly in the districts of Linkering and Medina Gounass. The study utilized calling stations, camera traps, tourist data, and surveys from 31 villages to assess large carnivore distribution, density, and human-wildlife conflicts. These findings underscore the need for targeted mitigation strategies to reduce livestock predation and human-carnivore conflicts.

Gueye, M., Van Cauteren, D., Mengual, L., Pellaton, R., Leirs, H., Bertola, L. D., & de Iongh, H. (2022). Conflicts between large carnivores and local pastoralists around Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 68(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-021-01556-5