Proximate causes and perceptions of livestock keepers toward the risks of illegal grazing in Serengeti National Park

ABSTRACT

This study used a semi-structured questionnaire to investigate proximate causes of livestock grazing in Serengeti National Park (SNP) and the perceptions of livestock keepers about the risks involved. We found that insufficient pasturage and water for cattle in the districts and the large number of cattle competing for common pasturage are perceived as the proximate causes. In addition, majority of livestock keepers fear being arrested inside the park. However, most of the large herders do not fear dangerous wild animals because they use defensive techniques. The responsible authorities should promote grazing practices that consider rangeland conditions, readiness, and stocking rates.

KEYWORDS:

• Cattle
• illegal livestock grazing
• livestock incursion
• livestock keepers
• proximate cause
• Serengeti National Park (SNP)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data used/generated in this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Authors’ contributions

Conceptualization: L.E.M., with the guidance of J.J.K., A.W.K, and M.B.M. Methodology and data collection: L.E.M. and J.J.K. Formal analysis: J.J.K. Original draft preparation: J.J.K. and L.E.M. Editing: J.J.K., A.W.K. and M.B.M. Supervision: A.W.K. and M.B.M.

Positionality statement

Two authors were born and raised by livestock keepers in the western Serengeti and currently working as academicians and researchers on community engagement in conservation and human-wildlife conflicts. One author is working for national parks in Tanzania. Another author is an academician and researcher in conservation.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the College of African Wildlife Management Mweka [College Research Fund].