Assessing determinants of livestock predation by spotted hyenas in Nyang’hwale district and mitigation approaches adopted by the community

The study aimed to identify factors contributing to livestock attacks by spotted hyenas and evaluate the mitigation strategies employed in Nyang’hwale District, Geita Region, Tanzania, where such incidents are increasing. Data were collected through interviews with 384 households, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Negative binomial models were used to determine factors associated with livestock attacks by hyenas. The findings indicate that grazing livestock near forested areas significantly elevates the risk of spotted hyena attacks due to proximity to predator habitats. Additionally, attacks were more frequent during the rainy season, likely because dense vegetation including crops provides cover for predators. The most commonly employed strategies to mitigate livestock attacks were staying awake to watch over the animals at night and using guard dogs to alert villagers. Traditional livestock enclosures proved inadequate in preventing attacks, underscoring the need for improved structures. Cultural beliefs in the district associate spotted hyenas with witchcraft, which discourages community members from taking direct action against them, resulting in appeals for government or traditional healers to manage the spotted hyena population. To address these challenges, further research is recommended to assess the spotted hyena population size, prey availability, and ecological dynamics in the district. Integrating traditional knowledge and community beliefs with conservation strategies will be crucial for fostering coexistence and reducing human-hyena conflicts, ultimately ensuring livestock safety, preserving the spotted hyena population, and improving human livelihoods.