Long-term temporal patterns of human-carnivore conflict in the Chobe Enclave, northern Botswana

Abstract

In some areas, human and carnivore livelihoods overlap causing human-carnivore conflict (HCC), hence there is a need for carnivore conservation efforts. The decline of most large carnivore populations are linked to HCC, primarily due to the killing of carnivores by farmers to protect their livestock, which has consequences for socio-ecological system’s integrity and resilience. To secure conservation of large carnivores, HCC must be effectively mitigated based on empirical understanding. However, in developing countries such as Botswana, HCC management is most often based on lessons learnt elsewhere. The aim of this study was to identify the most important problem carnivores, analyse temporal patterns and evaluate possible environmental correlates of HCC in the Chobe Enclave based on long-term data collected by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The proximity of human settlements and protected conservation areas that contain a high diversity of wildlife makes HCC inevitable in the Chobe Enclave. The most important problem carnivores, in diminishing order, were lion, leopard and spotted hyaena, collectively contributing 97.96% of the recorded 1 175 incidents. Other problem carnivores include wild dog, cheetah and jackals. The diversifying livestock base (e.g. emerging piggery and growing small stock) in the Chobe Enclave will likely expand HCC. Total HCC incidents and lion incidents demonstrated significant seasonality and increase over the 22 years. Leopard and spotted hyaena incidents depicted no seasonal difference but significant annual decline. None of the modelled possible correlates significantly explained patterns of HCC. Results of this study also corroborated the need for site specific understanding of HCC for its effective mitigation.