Reducing livestock-carnivore conflict on rural farms using local livestock guarding dogs

摘要: Livestock depredation can be devastating to both farmers and the species considered responsible if they are subsequently persecuted. Many proposed conflict solutions limited in their uptake because may short-term, localised, expensive or species-specific. guarding dogs have been a successful solution many parts of world, however recommended imported breeds generally inaccessible rural farmers. In this study, we report on program placing local Tswana with Botswana as tool reduce livestock loss. Seventy-five who experienced high from carnivores rangelands wildlife areas were selected receive puppy. Puppies monitored regularly determine performance, survival owner attitudes toward wildlife. From initial baseline reports goat losses before received puppy, loss declined by at least 85% over following three years. Farmers very satisfied performance dog protection tolerance improved after one year receiving Our study suggests locally bred an effective for risk depredation, particularly development community-led programs further used conflict.