Expanding beyond carnivores to improve livestock protection and conservation

PLoS Biol. 2019 Aug 6;17(8):e3000386. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000386. eCollection 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Promoting human-wildlife coexistence is critical to the long-term conservation of many wild animal species that come into conflict with humans. Loss of livestock to carnivore species (e.g., lions, tigers, wolves) is a well-documented occurrence and the focus of mitigation strategies around the world. One area that has received little research is the impact of noncarnivores on livestock. Both African and Asian elephant species are known to cause livestock injuries and deaths. Livestock owners within elephant ranges perceive elephants as a risk to their livestock, which may reduce their tolerance towards elephants and jeopardize conservation efforts in the area. Though feral hogs may not be of conservation concern, these animals contribute significant losses to farmers' livelihoods. We advocate for the inclusion of noncarnivore species in policies that promote livestock protection because it will allow for better communication regarding effective strategies and more application in the field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Carnivora
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods*
  • Humans
  • Livestock
  • Predatory Behavior

Grants and funding

This work was funded in part by USFWS Asian Elephant Conservation Fund Grant # F16AP00338 (https://www.fws.gov/international/wildlife-without-borders/asian-elephant-conservation-fund.html). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript