Human-wildlife interaction: Living with monkeys adjacent to Sao-hill Forest in Tanzania

Research Focus • The study assessed the dynamics of human-monkey conflict in communities living adjacent to the Sao-Hill Forest in Tanzania. Methodology • A random survey of 240 households across six villages around the Sao-Hill Forest Plantation (SHFP) was conducted using closed-ended questions. • The study evaluated factors influencing monkey sightings and community perceptions of monkey populations. Implications • This research underscores the need for gender-sensitive, culturally appropriate, and location-specific conservation strategies. • The findings provide a foundation for future research focused on human-wildlife interactions. The study assessed the dynamics of human-monkey conflict for communities living adjacent to Sao-hill Forest in Tanzania, with a particular focus on the factors influencing community perceptions of monkey populations, the effectiveness of crop protection measures, and attitudes towards monkey conservation in a rural setting. Quantitative method was used for data collection through a structured questionnaires targeting farmers and community members ( n = 240). The key findings showed that 44.2 % of respondents perceived the monkey population as increasing, while 31.7 % believed it was decreasing, and 15.8 % saw it as stable. Gender and village location significantly influenced these perceptions, with males and residents of specific villages being less likely to perceive population changes. For crop protection, domestic dogs (34.2 %) and cow dung (20.0 %) were perceived as the most effective measures, with significant variations in effectiveness perceptions across different tribes. Regarding reasons for disliking monkeys, 56.7 % of respondents cited crop raiding as the primary issue, followed by property destruction (29.6 %) and attacks on chickens (13.8 %). Males were more likely to express dislike towards monkeys. Conservation suggestions were diverse, with conservation education being the most recommended (36.7 %), followed by fencing farms (25.4 %), and protecting monkey habitats (21.7 %). Village and tribal affiliations significantly influenced these suggestions, with some tribes and villages being less inclined to recommend conservation measures. Therefore, this study underscores the need for gender-sensitive, culturally appropriate, and location-specific conservation strategies to effectively address human-wildlife conflicts and promote sustainable coexistence. The findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at developing tailored interventions that consider the unique demographic and cultural contexts of communities affected by human-wildlife interactions.