Study

Limiting depredation by African carnivores: the role of livestock husbandry

  • Published source details Ogada M.O., Woodroffe R., Oguge N.O. & Frank L.G. (2003) Limiting depredation by African carnivores: the role of livestock husbandry. Conservation Biology, 17, 1521-1530.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use guardian animals (e.g. dogs, llamas, donkeys) bonded to livestock to deter predators to reduce human-wildlife conflict

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Use guardian animals (e.g. dogs, llamas, donkeys) bonded to livestock to deter predators to reduce human-wildlife conflict

    A replicated, site comparison study in 1999–2000 of savanna across 10 ranches in Laikipia District, Kenya (Ogada et al. 2003) found that at bomas with domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris in attendance, fewer cattle were killed by predators, though there was no effect on predation of sheep or goats. Fewer cattle were killed by lions Panthera leo, leopards Panthera pardus and hyenas Crocuta crocuta and Hyaena hyaena combined when dogs were present at bomas (0.03 cattle/month) than at bomas without dogs (0.28 cattle/month). There was no significant relationship between dog presence and predation on sheep or goats (data not presented). Livestock were housed in bomas overnight, when 75% of recorded kills occurred. Data on livestock predation and predator deterrence activities at 84 bomas on 10 ranches (nine commercial ranches, one community area) were gathered from ranch managers. Ranches were monitored for 2–17 months, between January 1999 and May 2000.

    (Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)

Output references
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