Abstract:
Human-wildlife conflicts may arise when expanding human populations and activities overlap or compete for spaces and resources with wildlife, or when growing wildlife populations encroach on those of human populations. The effects of human-wildlife conflict include livestock predation, harassment, property damage, habitat loss due to human activities, and interpersonal conflict over wildlife issues resulting in injuries or mortalities. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is among animals involved in livestock predation for many reasons, including; their abundance, gregariousness, carnivorous nature, and wide-ranging behaviour. This study focused on understanding the co-existence between people and wildlife for better livelihoods and conservation outcomes through improved knowledge on human-wildlife interactions and conflicts within a human-wildlife dominated landscape. The study adopted a survey research design. Purposive sampling was employed in data collection. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule, and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), targeting different segments of the community. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (charts, tables and graphs) and inferential statistics. The findings from the study were that 40% of the respondents indicated that poor park fencing is the major cause of conflict and people’s perceptions towards hyena conservation was positive. Conservation of hyena depended on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, education, age, occupation, and ethnicity. There is a significance relationship between hyena conservation with education (chi square 44.961, p=0.000), occupation (chi square 77.473, p=0.000) and ethnicity (chi square 45.171, p=0.001) of the respondents. Conservation of hyena leverage on education, occupation, and ethnicity of the local community. On the other hand, conservation of hyena corresponding to gender (chi square, 2.140, p=0.343), age (chi square 12.294, p= 0.422) and religion (chi square, 0.743, p=0.994) are not significant therefore conservation of hyena is not influenced by on gender, age nor religion in villages around Lake Nakuru National Park and Soysambu Conservancy. The respondents proposed that reinforcement of an electric fence and frequent monitoring of the faulty areas will help in reducing hyaenas attacks. These results contribute towards understanding of human-hyena conflicts and spatial dynamics for enhanced coexistence between wildlife and local communities through improved decision making on mitigation measures. The information emanating from this study provides a basis for policy formulation on wildlife conservation and management in both protected and non-protected areas.
