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Wild
Dogs in the Biodiversity Hotspot Convergence Zone
Word
about the project is spreading, and that’s something
in this remote region. Over 2,000 wild dog sightings
have been reported. The AWD Conservancy
is presenting new information on wild dogs in the biodiversity
hotspot convergence zone, which will be used
for conservation planning. This is part of a larger
continent-wide planning effort to help save wild dogs.
What
Local People Say
The
first social survey of attitudes towards wild dogs and
other large predators was completed. Over 150 villagers
were interviewed in 31 villages. Attitudes towards wild
dogs, lions, and spotted hyenas, are largely negative
because of concern for livestock and/or personal safety.
Despite this, wild dogs co-exist with villagers with
almost half of those interviewed stating they would
not kill them. Religious injunctions and less livestock
losses attributable to wild dogs may explain tempered
tolerance.
Paradoxically,
the majority of those interviewed did not think predators
have value, but did not want them to become extinct,
with some villagers saying they should be left alone.
Reasons given for why predators have value included
being an important part of their natural heritage, having
potential economic importance, and killing animals for
villagers, as well as consuming dead livestock. Many
villagers qualified their responses, suggesting that
predators should be placed in a sanctuary or zoo, or
only those animals that prey upon livestock should be
eliminated.
Although
the role of predators in the ecosystem is not largely
understood, with over half of villagers believing that
wildlife cannot become extinct, most expressed concern
for wildlife and the environment in general. This ambivalence
highlighted the importance of working with local people
to ultimately address the question “How can wild dogs
and people co-exist for future generations?” A preliminary
attitude survey provided essential baseline data, and
helped identify and prioritize realistic objectives
for the next field season. Reports were given to partner
organizations, the district commissioner, and project
staff. Interviews are ongoing to increase the number
of villagers and area surveyed.
Predators
and Livestock
Although
the final results are not in, so far the great news
for wild dogs is that they are not considered a major
problem in most villages when it comes to livestock
losses. Unfortunately, spotted hyenas are considered
a major problem. Surprisingly, in some areas hyenas,
caracals, cheetahs, and jackals were reported to be
taking more livestock, while losses due to lions and
leopards were generally less common. The diversity of
large predators will become increasingly threatened
as the human population grows unless conflict and habitat
fragmentation can be minimized. |
