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University of Denver

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

Abstract

Human – non-human primate conflict is particularly crucial due to primates’ high capacity to live among human populations. The study to analyze Human - Nonhuman Primate Conflict Mitigation Techniques, was carried in November 2023 at Mto wa Mbu, Northern Tanzania. To analyze techniques currently being used to mitigate human – non-human primate conflict, this study collected data through semi-structured interviews. Over 87% (n=35) of respondents used multiple mitigation techniques simultaneously. 80% of respondents (n=32) reported using projectiles to ward off foraging primates, 75% of respondents (n=30) reported using loud noises (made either by the voice/body or by manipulating noisemakers), 67.5% (n=27) reported using crop-guards, and 7.5% (n=3) reported using physical barriers to mitigate Human Primate Conflict. Both fire and deterrent objects (in this case, a scarecrow) were reported in use by one participant each. While fire had the highest possible average effectiveness score (3), the associated costs made it much less efficient (33%). The mitigation methods with the highest overall efficiency were projectiles (44%) and crop guarding (43%). As interactions between human and non-human primate populations is inevitable, it is imperative that effective mitigation techniques that prioritize the livelihoods of humans and wildlife be developed and implemented. This study recommends that communities living in close contact with wildlife benefit financially from conservation programs to mitigate financial damages from human wildlife conflict, and that mitigation techniques developed in the future place emphasis on low labor and time costs for communities.

Disciplines

African Studies | Animal Studies | Environmental Monitoring | Human Ecology | Research Methods in Life Sciences | Zoology

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