Abstract
Human-carnivore conflict is a widespread issue, particularly around protected areas such as national parks. This study aimed to evaluate human-carnivore conflict in and around Gibe Sheleko National Park using semi-structured questionnaires. The survey was conducted between December 2018 and August 2020, involving interviews with 281 randomly selected household heads from eight Kebeles and 15 Park management staff. A total of 965 livestock losses were documented over three years, around two animals lost per household per year, with goats being the most affected (48.08%), followed by chickens (33.98%) and cows (13.37%), and sheep were the least affected (1.14%). Of the total livestock losses, the majority (27.15%) were attributed to spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) , followed by serval cats ( Leptailurus serval) (23.21%), and olive baboons ( Papio anubis ) (21.66%). Spotted hyenas (wet: 57.25%, dry: 42.75%), leopards ( Panthera pardus ) (wet: 65.47%, dry: 34.53%), and African wolves ( Canis lupaster ) (wet: 62.24%, dry: 37.76) caused more losses during the wet season. However, the olive baboon (wet: 38.28, dry: 61.72%) and the serval cat (wet: 45.09, dry: 54.91%) caused more losses during the dry season. From the total, about 951 livestock losses (excluding dogs) were reported, resulting in an estimated economic loss of $69,273.65. Goats contributed the largest share ($33,537.92), followed by cattle ($32,634.42) and chickens ($1,423.52). Approximately 62% of respondents reported an increasing trend in livestock predation, particularly by spotted hyenas, olive baboons, and serval cats. Guarding was used by most farmers (80.2%) as a preventative measure against livestock predation; however, it did not work. In the study area, few respondents also applied trapping as a retaliatory killing strategy, which may have a significant impact on existing carnivores. Therefore, collaboration between stakeholders is essential to develop effective mitigation strategies for the ongoing livestock predation by wild carnivores in the area.