Journal Article

Loss of traditional knowledge aggravates wolf–human conflict in Georgia (Caucasus) in the wake of socio-economic change

Kikvidze, Zaal, Tevzadze, Gigi

2015

Overview

Reports of the damage from wolf attacks have increased considerably over the last decade in Georgia (in the Caucasus). We interviewed locals about this problem in two focal regions: the Lanchkhuti area (in western Georgia) and Kazbegi District (in eastern Georgia) where livestock numbers had increased by an order of magnitude owing to dramatic shifts in the local economies over the last decade. This coincided with expanding habitats for wolves (abandoned plantations, for example). We found that the perceived damage from wolves was positively correlated with a poor knowledge of wolf habits and inappropriate livestock husbandry practices. Our results suggest a loss of traditional knowledge contributes strongly to the wolf–human conflicts in Georgia. Restoring traditional, simple but good practices—such as protecting herds using shepherd dogs and introducing bulls into the herds—can help one solve this problem.

• Publisher: Springer,Springer Netherlands,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Aged, 80 and over / Agriculture / Animal attacks / Animal husbandry / Animal Husbandry - methods / Animal populations / Animals / Atmospheric Sciences / bulls / Canidae / Cattle / Conservation of Natural Resources / Correlation / Damage / Dogs / Earth and Environmental Science / Ecology / Economic change / Economics / Environment / Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology / Environmental Management / Female / Georgia (Republic) / Greenhouses / habitats / Habits / herds / human-wildlife relations / Humans / Husbandry / Inappropriateness / indigenous knowledge / Knowledge / Livestock / Local economy / Male / Middle Aged / Physical Geography / Plantations / Predatory Behavior / Questionnaires / Republic of Georgia / Sheep / Socioeconomic change / Socioeconomic factors / socioeconomics / Wakes / Wolves / Wolves - physiology