A1 Journal article (refereed)
Assessing tolerance for wildlife : human-elephant conflict in Chimanimani, Mozambique (2021)

Virtanen, P., Macandza, V., Goba, P., Mourinho, J., Roque, D., Mamugy, F., & Langa, B. (2021). Assessing tolerance for wildlife : human-elephant conflict in Chimanimani, Mozambique. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 26(5), 411-428. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2020.1834648

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Virtanen, Pekka; Macandza, Valério; Goba, Paulo; Mourinho, José; Roque, Dionisio; Mamugy, Faruk; Langa, Bernabe

Journal or series: Human Dimensions of Wildlife

ISSN: 1087-1209

eISSN: 1533-158X

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 22/10/2020

Volume: 26

Issue number: 5

Pages range: 411-428

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2020.1834648

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/72477

Abstract

Human–elephant conflict (HEC) is a common problem for rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent studies have shown that willingness to tolerate wildlife is largely a function of perceived risks and benefits, but most technical assessments are limited to the immediate cause of the conflict and neglect the broader socioeconomic and political contexts. Based on two sets of interviews, this article provides a socioeconomic analysis of HEC in the buffer zone of Chimanimani National Reserve in Mozambique. Although traditional methods to scare off elephants were found to have little effect, a beehive fence introduced in 2016 initially appeared to be successful. However, follow-up three years later showed that results were controversial and HEC was even more acute. Underlying factors include the failure to establish a common understanding between the local population and authorities about the risks versus benefits involved and the elements for an acceptable solution.

Keywords: protected areas; nature conservation; species protection; wild animals; elephants; human-animal relationship; environmental policy; acceptability

Free keywords: Human–elephant conflict; tolerance for wildlife; protected areas; Africa

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1