摘要：Livestock depredation by large carnivores is the key source of human–carnivore conflictworldwide and entails financial losses to livestock keepers. We examined the extent andpatterns of livestock depredation, the financial impacts of livestock losses and determinantsof livestock depredation by large carnivores in the Tarangire ecosystem of northern Tanzania.Of 300 households surveyed, 74.7% reported losses of 1906 livestock to wild predators over1.5 years, which represents an annual loss rate of 1.4% of their total herd. Spotted hyena(Crocuta crocuta) accounted for 70% of the total livestock loss, followed by leopard (Pantherapardus) (12%), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) (8%), lion (Panthera leo) (7%) and cheetah(Acinonyx jubatus) (3%). This loss equated to a total financial loss of US$141,847 amounting toapproximately US$633/household/year. Depredation frequency by all carnivore speciesincreased significantly with increasing number of livestock owned, respondent’s residencytime, distance from the park boundary and declined significantly with increasing education,number of herders and improved fortified boma for cattle. Livestock depredation peakedduring the wet season linked to seasonal migration of wild prey. Our study suggests thatimproving formal and conservation awareness education, boma fortification as well asimproving herding practices could help mitigate the human–carnivore conflict.
