Evidence-based conservation: predator-proof bomas protect livestock and lions
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Published source details
Lichtenfeld L.L., Trout C. & Kisimir E.L. (2015) Evidence-based conservation: predator-proof bomas protect livestock and lions. Biodiversity and Conservation, 24, 483-491.
Published source details Lichtenfeld L.L., Trout C. & Kisimir E.L. (2015) Evidence-based conservation: predator-proof bomas protect livestock and lions. Biodiversity and Conservation, 24, 483-491.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Install non-electric fencing to exclude predators or herbivores and reduce human-wildlife conflict Action Link |
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Install non-electric fencing to exclude predators or herbivores and reduce human-wildlife conflict
A replicated, before-and-after, site comparison study, in 2003–2013 around two villages and associated pasture in Tanzania (Lichtenfeld et al. 2015) found that fortifying bomas with trees and chain link fencing resulted in reduced predation of livestock by large mammalian predators. There was a lower rate of attacks by large predators on livestock in bomas after fortification (0.001 attacks/boma/month) than before (0.012 attacks/boma/month). Including bomas that remained unfortified throughout the study, the attack rate was lower overall on fortified bomas (0.001 attacks/boma/month) than on unfortified bomas (0.009 attacks/boma/month). Between 2008 and 2013, 62 of 146 traditional bomas (built mainly from thorny branches) were fortified with “living walls” (which combined fast-growing, thorny trees Commiphora sp. as fence posts at 0.5-m intervals, connected with chain link fencing). The average cost of the chain link was US$500/boma. Bomas were monitored for predator attacks from September 2003 to August 2013 (excluding January–February of 2006 and 2010).
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
