Livestock and large wild mammals in the Kilombero Valley, in southern Tanzania

Livestock encroachment is threatening the populations of large wild mammals in Tanzania. Competition for quality grazing land by domestic stocks is one of the main factors impacting wild species during this encroachment. In the Kilombero Game Controlled Area (KGCA), extensive livestock husbandry is negatively associated with wildlife populations, especially outside the hunting season. This study assessed the relationship between livestock number and the abundance of three wild species: puku, buffalo and elephant. Spoor transects during the hunting season found the three wild species to be negatively correlated with livestock number. Direct point count surveys, both during and outside the hunting season found cattle and goat to be negatively associated with puku. The results from this study indicate that areas heavily grazed by livestock will be used to a lesser extent by wild populations, and that those areas previously used by wild species will be avoided following livestock encroachment. The protection offered by the KGCA is an ineffective tool for conserving wild large mammal populations, and an alternative conservation status whereby extensive livestock encroachment is prohibited, particularly for the more important grazing sites, is recommended.