Livestock depredation by large carnivores in northern Botswana

摘要: Abstract Human-carnivore conflict is a leading cause of large carnivore declines and minimizing these conflicts vital to maintaining viable populations. Often, however, conservation agencies governments do not have proper understanding prior establishing mitigation programs or are unable collect the appropriate data verify claims livestock loss. We investigated depredation events in Eastern Panhandle Okavango Delta, Botswana between October 2014 December 2016 compared investigations with concurrent Problem Animal Control (PAC) information from Department Wildlife National Parks (DWNP) compensation program. Only animals killed enclosures while being herded qualify for reimbursement through program, but DWNP typically claims. identified wildlife sign at event location collected owner determine species responsible attack, time lost, husbandry methods employed. In total, 116 were 13 more injured 102 confirmed wild attacks. Most (90%) attacks occurred unattended freely grazing multi-use, communal areas. Cows, oxen (castrated male cows) calves (Bos taurus B. t. indicus) most often African lions (Panthera leo) 74% attacks, dogs (Lycaon pictus) accounted 13%, leopard pardus) 8%, spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) 5%. Valuation verified losses totaled ∼$30,000 over study period. There 50% reported than we independent investigations. its current form, program does seem sustainable, nor it enable verification While should be abandoned, designed provide monetary caused by predators require timely reporting in-depth investigation events. Additional strategies target increasing area, specific focus on herding.