TITLE:
Human-Carnivore Conflict in the North-Eastern Periphery of Waza National Park in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Pricelia N. Tumenta, Parfait Nkontcheu Kamta, Daniel Brice Kenko Nkontcheu
KEYWORDS:
Human-Carnivore Conflict, Economic Losses, Pastoralism, Waza National Park
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
16,
2026
ABSTRACT: A study on human-carnivore conflict in villages north-east of Waza National Park was carried out from February to May 2021. The objective was to provide knowledge that would guide conservation interventions. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered that sought information on the magnitude, period of occurrence, consequences, hotspots, and mitigation methods of human-carnivore conflict. A total of 125 heads of households were surveyed in six villages, representing 43.59% of pastoralists. Findings revealed that three carnivores were responsible for predation on livestock north-east of Waza NP: lion (Panthera leo leo), jackal (Canis aureus), and hyena (Crocuta crocuta). A total of 1531 livestock were killed during a period of three years. Livestock were mainly attacked while grazing within the park (38.6%, n = 54) and near water bodies (30.0%, n = 42). The majority of carnivore attacks on livestock occurred during the day (72.7%, n = 80), while 27.3% (n = 30) took place at night (n = 110). Attacks were also more frequent in the dry season (64.9%, n = 72) than in the rainy season (35.1%, n = 39) (n = 111 in total). Carnivores caused significant direct economic losses to livestock pastoralists; estimated at 68,650,000 XAF ($117,176 USD) in total. On average, a pastoralist lost 228,830 XAF ($390 USD) per year. This loss is important to pastoralists who depend on revenue from livestock to meet basic needs like education, health, and certain socio-cultural obligations. Although night enclosures and guarding of livestock were reported as methods used to protect livestock from predation, the general consensus was that there are no concrete solutions to human-carnivore conflict. Community engagement through education, awareness raising, and empowerment remains necessary. Furthermore, practical measures are needed to mitigate human-carnivore conflict in order to preserve human livelihoods and conserve carnivores in Waza NP.