Browsing by Author "Masuki, Joel Gabriel"

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    Human-wildlife conflicts: the case of primates in the Udzungwa mountains national park
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Masuki, Joel Gabriel
    The Udzungwa Mountains National Park (UMNP) is one of the most important areas in Africa for primate diversity and conservation. However, the area is also characterized by elevated human densities outside the forests, creating potential for competition and conflict between humans and wildlife. Conflicts may increase as human population increases. This research focused on understanding nature and impact of human primate conflict (HPC) in Mkula, Sonjo, Sole and Mgudeni villages adjacent to UMNP. Specifically, types and causes of HPC were explored, magnitudes of HPC were analyzed, local communities’ perception was assessed and coping/adaptation strategies for local communities including sustainable primate conservation were identified. Different methods were used in data collection including household questionnaire that covered 117 households, key informant interview, focus group discussion, field observation and literature review. Analysis was done using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Results revealed that among five diurnal primates occurring in UMNP, four species were identified to be involved in HPC with yellow baboons reported to be the most destructive followed by velvet monkey, Sykes monkey and Angolan black and white colobus monkey. Overall, farmers’ livelihoods appeared to be negatively affected by crop raiding and livestock depredation as major problems as per the respondents. HPC magnitude was rated high since not only farmers are affected but also those who are engaged in non-farming activities. Most respondents have negative perception on primate conservation and do not support the idea. Most respondents chase primates and guard crops/livestock from primates, while very few applied fencing or changed type of crops grown. Compensation and environmental education are recommended to promote coexistence of primates and humans and reduce negative perceptions of local communities on primate conservation in UMNP.