Determinants of persistence and tolerance of carnivores on Namibian ranches : implications for conservation on southern African private lands
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Date
Authors
Lindsey, Peter Andrew
Havemann, Carl Peter
Lines, Robin M.
Palazy, Lucille
Price, Aaron Ernest
Retief, Tarryn Anne
Rhebergen, Tiemen
Van der Waal, Cornelis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Changing land use patterns in southern Africa have potential to dramatically alter the prospects for carnivore conservation.
Understanding these influences is essential for conservation planning. We interviewed 250 ranchers in Namibia to assess
human tolerance towards and the distribution of large carnivores. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), leopards (Panthera pardus)
and brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea) were widely distributed on Namibian farmlands, spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta)
had a narrower distribution, and wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and lions (Panthera leo) are largely limited to areas near source
populations. Farmers were most tolerant of leopards and least tolerant of lions, wild dogs and spotted hyaenas. Several
factors relating to land use correlated consistently with carnivore-presence and landowner tolerance. Carnivores were more
commonly present and/or tolerated where; wildlife diversity and biomass were higher; income from wildlife was higher;
income from livestock was lower; livestock biomass was lower; in conservancies; game fencing was absent; and financial
losses from livestock depredation were lower. Efforts to create conditions whereby the costs associated with carnivores are
lowest, and which confer financial value to them are likely to be the most effective means of promoting carnivore
conservation. Such conditions are achieved where land owners pool land to create conservancies where livestock are
replaced with wildlife (or where livestock husbandry is improved) and where wildlife generates a significant proportion of
ranch income. Additional measures, such as promoting improved livestock husbandry and educational outreach efforts may
also help achieve coexistence with carnivores. Our findings provide insights into conditions more conducive to the
persistence of and tolerance towards large carnivores might be increased on private (and even communal) lands in Namibia,
elsewhere in southern and East Africa and other parts of the world where carnivore conservation is being attempted on
private lands.
Description
Keywords
Carnivore conservation, Changing land use patterns, Southern African private lands
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Lindsey PA, Havemann CP, Lines R, Palazy L, Price AE, et al. (2013) Determinants of Persistence and Tolerance of Carnivores on Namibian Ranches: Implications for Conservation on Southern African Private Lands. PLoS ONE 8(1): e52458. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052458