Anthropogenic threats and challenges of wildlife conservation in Hamer District, South Omo, Ethiopia

Wildlife populations outside protected areas are highly threatened by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The present study conducted from January to February 2022, aimed to assess the major wildlife threats and evaluate the local community’s willingness to participate in wildlife conservation in the Hamer District, in South Omo, Ethiopia. Questionnaire interviews were conducted among 96 sample households. As well, focus group discussions and personal observations were held to achieve the research objectives. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Overall, 63.5% and 50% of the respondents ranked deforestation and overgrazing as primary and secondary threats of wildlife conservation in Hamer District, respectively. Most respondents (82.3%) reported the decreasing status of wildlife populations in their vicinity which significantly differed across sample kebeles (the lowest administration units) (χ2 = 44.152, df = 3, p = 0.000). About 90.6 percent of respondents’ showed willingness to participate in wildlife conservation efforts in the area. The multiple linear regression models indicated that sample kebeles (ß= -0.102), sex (ß= -0.544), marital status (ß= -0.378) and years of residency of respondents (ß= 0.324) are significant predictors of local community willingness to participate in wildlife conservation activities. To ensure sustainable wildlife conservation in Hamer district, the study recommended managed livestock husbandry practices and water ponds should be prepared which can be used as water sources for both livestock and wildlife during drought seasons. Community based wildlife conservation and ecotourism should be promoted, and law enforcement are needed to halt illegal activities in the Hamer district.