Livestock depredation by wild carnivores in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania

Livestock depredation by wild carnivores, particularly spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), remains a significant issue in the Eastern Serengeti ecosystem, fostering negative human-wildlife interactions and threatening carnivore conservation. A 2016 survey of Maasai (pastoralists) and Sonjo (agropastoralists) tribes revealed higher depredation rates among Maasai due to larger livestock numbers and proximity to the Serengeti National Park boundary, with most incidents occurring during daytime grazing in the dry season. Unlike the Sonjo, the Maasai reported depredation by lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), alongside hyenas and leopards (Panthera pardus). Comparisons with a 2010 study highlight temporal changes in depredation patterns. Both tribes rely on multiple protection techniques, including Maasai use of knives/spears and Sonjo use of bows/poisoned arrows, to mitigate losses.

Franco, P. M., Gine, R. S., Richard, D. L., Robert, D. F., Craig, J., Tomas, H., & Eivin, R. (2018). Livestock depredation by wild carnivores in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 10(3), 122–130. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijbc2017.1165