Wildlife conservation problems in Ethiopia and its solution: a focus on ecotourism

Ethiopia is home to wildlife, high levels of endemism, and spectacular wildlife species. However, the country is ineffective in protecting its wildlife. Nearly all protected areas in the country face threats from human activities. Many local communities rely directly on these protected areas for livelihood, which imposes pressures and stress on species and their habitats. The main objective of this perspective is to organize scientific evidence on wildlife conservation problems in Ethiopia by focusing on ecotourism as a solution. This perspective found that there are multiple wildlife conservation issues in Ethiopia. Rapid increment in human population around protected areas and dependence on natural resources associated with rural poverty are affecting wildlife populations in all parts of the country. Resource use and human–wildlife conflict, hunting, pollution, agricultural expansion, livestock encroachments, habitat loss, fragmentation, and deforestation, were recognized as major problems in the country. In addition to this, lack of community involvement, unauthorized settlements, wildlife policy gaps, and insufficient skilled manpower are also other challenges for sustainable wildlife conservation in Ethiopia. Supporting local community livelihoods, implementing regulations, promoting environmental awareness, and improving environmental management planning are the possible measures for sustainable wildlife conservation in the country. This perspective also highlighted the role of ecotourism because it is a way to mitigate wildlife conservation problems in the country. Raising awareness for local communities, compensating for negative impacts, implementing zoning measures for protected areas, promoting sustainable ecotourism, and providing financial support for wildlife hotspot areas are needed in the country.