Prevalence of human elephant conflicts in Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya: Current opinions of local community

Abstract

Elephants capture the affection of people due to its size, social behavior and its flagship role in tourism. But it also elicits animosity because of the damages and insecurity it causes to local communities. This paper examined the current opinions of local community on human – elephant interactions in Amboseli Area. Results indicated that local community participation in elephant conservation was low. However, a majority (76%) of local community members indicated that elephant conservation was possible, and 70% said it was important. Most people (88%) believed that there was an overall increase in elephant numbers, and associated human – elephant conflicts in recent years. The majority (83%) blamed conflicts on human encroachment on elephant space, elephant crop raiding (82%), and indifference to the plight of local community by conservationists (78%), effects of drought and climate change (75%). Helping the local community bear the cost of elephant conservation by preventing damages, providing benefits, and being inclusive in elephant conservation process is a better strategy at elephant conservation. Key words: Amboseli ecosystem, elephants, human – elephant conflicts, Kenya.