A comparative study of Ethiopian wolf interactions with humans, domestic dogs and livestock in Arsi mountains and Sanetti plateau, south central Ethiopia

Abstract

A comparative study on the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) interactions with human and domestic animals in Arsi Mountains and Sanetti Plateau was carried out from August 2009 to July 2010. Factors that affect the Ethiopian wolf were investigated by direct observations on 15 transects on four wolf packs and by using a questionnaire survey. In the Chilalo-Galama range, 3762 and in the Sanetti Plateau, 890 livestock were sighted in the Ethiopian wolf habitats. The two study areas showed a marked difference (χ²=38.09, df=1, P<0.05) in the number of livestock affecting the Ethiopian wolves. In the Chilalo-Galama range, nine domestic dogs shared the Ethiopian wolf habitat. In contrast, in the Sanetti Plateau, no domestic dog was observed in the Ethiopian wolf habitat. The two study areas significantly differed (χ²=100, df=1, P<0.05) in the number of domestic dogs that affect the Ethiopian wolf. In the Chilalo-Galama area, 488 and in the Sanetti Plateau, five individuals were observed affecting the wolves while collecting firewood, grass and herding livestock. Therefore, regular patrolling, scent-marking and defending exclusive territories were not carried out by the Ethiopian wolves in the Chilalo-Galama compared to the Sanetti Plateau wolves.

Keywords/phrases: Chilalo-Galama, Ethiopian wolf interactions, Human, Sanetti Plateau