Is Predation an Issue for Conservation?

Alec J. Cook

@alecjcook
| He / Him

I am an Electronics and Automation Engineer currently Studying an MSc in GIS, based in Cumbria in the UK

Groups

Acoustics

I have been inspired recently by WildLab's lecture series on Bio Acoustics. I am interested to find out that there are not many electronic devices available to conservationists. Are there any conservationists out there that would be willing to discuss a prototype for an anti-predation device. Is predation an issue for conservation?

Many thanks, Alec

Peter Apps

@Peter_Apps

Botswana Predator Conservation Trust

20 September 2024 2:20pm

Pro-active or retaliatory lethal control over depredation of livestock runs hand in hand with habitat loss as the major threat to predator populations - so, yes, predation is an issue for conservation.

What tech do you have in mind?

Sarah Mshanga

@sarahmshanga

Ms. Sarah Mshanga is a research assistant-trainee at the Women in Conservation Organization since August 2023. She holds BSc. in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. She also interned at Lion Landscapes and GMERC Project.

21 September 2024 9:05am

Yes, predation is a significant conservation issue, especially for vulnerable species. Invasive predators can harm native wildlife, and carnivores preying on livestock often lead to human-wildlife conflicts and retaliatory killings.

Developing conservation technologies to address these challenges could greatly help reduce conflicts and protect wildlife.