Patterns and determinants of human-carnivore conflicts in Central Iran: realities and perceptions behind the conflict

ABSTRACT

This article assessed the patterns and determinants of human-carnivore conflicts and local attitudes toward carnivores in 18 villages in eastern Isfahan Province, Central Iran. Livestock depredation by carnivores was common, representing a total loss of 3% and 13% of sheep and poultry population, respectively. Over 93% depredation events were attributed to the gray wolf. Households and herders held negative attitudes toward the gray wolf due to their perceived threat to livestock and humans and expressed positive attitudes toward other carnivore species. Preventative measures, such as improved livestock husbandry seem to reduce damage caused by carnivores. In general, livestock that were herded by day with the presence of shepherds and guardian dogs and kept within an enclosure at night with dog presence were 35% less likely to be killed by wild predators. Education influenced peoples’ attitudes toward carnivores.

KEYWORDS:

• Carnivores
• community perceptions
• gray wolf
• Iran
• livestock depredation
• livestock husbandry

Acknowledgment

We are grateful to all the herders, households and local people who willingly participated in this study. We would like to thank the rangers and staff of the Department of Environment in Nain and Ardestan, especially Mr. Shavakhi, Jalali and Akbari who assisted us with the field work.