Human-Wildlife Conflict in and Around Borena Sayint National Park, Northern Ethiopia

We identified causes, impact, and traditional management measures of human– wildlife conflict (HWC) in and around Borena Sayint National Park, Ethiopia. We employed questionnaires, focus group discussions, direct observations, and key informant interviews to collect data. The respondents perceived an increase in the number of wildlife population (56 respondents; 42.4%) followed by human proximity to park areas (44 respondents; 33.3%) as the main causes of HWC. The respondents perceived leopards (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) among the top livestock depredators while grivet monkeys (Cercopethicus aethiops) and porcupines (Hystrix cristata) were perceived as notorious crop raiders. Gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada) were identified as both crop raiding and livestock depredator wildlife species. A majority of the respondents (113; 85.6%) perceived both crop and livestock damage as impact of wildlife on humans. Guarding was reported as the main traditional measure of conflict management. The incidents have caused economic loss to the livelihood of the local community and have adverse impacts on wildlife conservation. We recommend community-based ecotourism to mitigate the conflict