Human-Wildlife Conflicts in and around Choffa Forest, Hawzien Woreda, Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation and Conflict Resolution

The study was conducted to investigate the extent of human-wildlife conflict and to evaluate the attitude of local residents towards wildlife. Data were collected by means of face to face questionnaire interview, direct observation and focus group discussion. Responses were compared using nonparametric Kruskal Wallis test and chi-squire test. High extent of human and wildlife conflict was recorded in the present study.47.5 % confirmed that both crop raiding and livestock damage was the major form of damage in the study area. Gelada baboons, rodents, Vervet Monkeys and Bird species were reported to be among the destructive wild animals interms of crop loss. The level of damage interms of crop loss showed no significant variation among villages (H= 3.00, df=3, Pgreater than0.05). Loepard, Spotted Hayena and Common jackal were common problematic wild animals interms of livestock depredation. Domestic dog, Scarecrows, habitat disturbances, human guarding, displaying dead wild animal parts, poison, Trap, fencing, sound and killing were among the deter strategies practiced by the local communities.50.83 % of the total respondents had positive attitude towards wildlife while 42.08 % of them were had negative attitude towards wildlife. Generally, there was strong conflict between the wildlife and the people living surrounding the study site. Therefore, potential solution should undertake to solve the conflict.