Patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and management: insights from areas adjacent to Mid Zambezi protected areas

Abstract

Human-Wildlife Conflicts (HWC) are common challenges in communal areas adjacent to protected areas. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the key depredated domestic animals over five years, (ii) determine the key wildlife species causing HWC, trends in conflicts and the nature of HWC and (iii) establish management measures employed to minimise HWCs. Secondary data was collected from seven (7) protected areas and three (3) rural district council areas’ annual reports. The data were obtained from field reports between January 2017 and December 2021. Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) 512 (47%) and cattle (Bos taurus) 409 (38%) were the main domestic animals depredated by wildlife. The study showed that out of the five (5) species involved in the conflicts, the top two (2) species reported were lions (Panthera leo) and hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). To mitigate HWC in the study area, a multi-action approach has been proposed.