Human Wildlife Conflict in Ethiopia- A Review

Authors: Yimam IA*

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000270

Volume 4, Issue 1

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict is the interaction among wild animals and human. It resulted in negative impact on both people and wild animals. Although it is well known and occurs across the globe, developing countries are more vulnerable than developed nation. Human-wildlife conflict is a serious problem in Ethiopia especially in situation of those who share the immediate boundaries with protected areas. There a lot of investigation has conducted in Ethiopia to assess the magnitude and intensity of wildlife conflict. However, the studies are specific to a given area and animal species. This paper aimed provides summarize information on magnitude of human wildlife conflict in Ethiopia. The gradual loss of habitat has led to increasing conflict between humans and wildlife. Clearing of the forest areas for food and crop production destroys the natural habitats of wildlife. Some of these development projects include roads and railway construction projects, dam construction projects, housing and infrastructure projects, energy production projects and many others. These people rear cattle, sheep, and goats by moving from one place to another in search of pasture grass and water mainly on seasonal basis within a country or across national boundaries. The human population has being expanding over the years at the detriment of other species that inhabit the planet such as animals in the wild. Crop damage is also the major cause form of human wild life conflict in Ethiopia. The intensity and magnitude of this conflict is influenced by people’s negative attitudes and perceptions toward the wildlife. This mainly caused by the wild animals move toward human settlements, and lives in close proximity with human due to the disturbance or loss of their wild natural. This conflict resulted negative impact to both human and wildlife. In order to minimize such problem, creating awareness to the local rural community and improved policy concerned wild life is management essential.

Keywords: Crop Loss; Human Wildlife Conflict; Protected Area; Wild Animal

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