The density estimates of carnivore and economic impacts of livestock predations in the rehabilitated Bilema Community Conservation Area, East Gojam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Bilema Community Conserved Area (BCCA) has been under rehabilitation for the last three decades by the surrounding community, and carnivores could reoccupy it. Thus, this study aimed to assess the density estimate of carnivores and their livestock predation in and around BCCA. The call-up method was applied to estimate carnivore densities, and questionnaire surveys were conducted to estimate livestock predation in three villages surrounding BCCA. Spotted hyenas (Crocuta Crocuta) and black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas) are livestock predators in BCCA. A density of 1.6 spotted hyenas and 0.36 black-backed jackals were recorded per one ha. Spotted hyenas attacked cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys, while black-backed jackals predated sheep, goats, and poultry. About 5.4% of livestock owned by the respondents were predated by both carnivores from 2021–2023, and responsible for 36,796 USD in economic loss. Higher spotted hyenas’ predation was recorded from the enclosure during the wet season, while black-backed jackals attacked mainly from the inside of BCCA during the dry season. In total, livestock predation strongly affects local communities’ livelihoods around BCCA. Hence, for the sustainable coexistence of carnivores and local communities living around BCCA, proper compensation of the economic loss and appropriate conflict mitigation practices should be promoted and implemented.