United
Tansania e.V. was established in 2020 (originally under the name Endangered
Species Conservation Foundation), which is now an international NGO, based in
Berlin, Germany. The founder and Director is a veterinarian by profession,
supported by a Field Research Assistant from UK, holding a Masters in
Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation, and 6 permanently employed locals
including trekker and staff for the Hyena Bush Camp. That project base is located at Lake Eyasi in Ngorongoro Conservation Area,
in the Northern part of Tanzania.
The first
aim of this project seeks to mitigate the conflict between human and spotted
hyena at Lake Eyasi. The project focuses on the determination of spotted hyena
density and their geographical distribution. Through this we can evaluate
the density of hyena species, their distributions and clan-sizes via our
monitoring program, which will enable us to determine the overlap of areas used
by both human and hyena in which we expect to find conflict hotspots. For these
hotspots we will implement a conflict solution in collaboration with the
concerned communities. Furthermore, we are able to observe the impact of hyena
on human livelihood and the effects of retaliations.
We use multiple techniques to monitor our hyenas at
Lake Eyasi. We place camera traps at active communal den sites to observe each
of our clans. Each hyena also has their own unique spot pattern and we use this
method to identify individuals. In addition to camera traps at den sites, we
also use camera traps throughout the study area. Through the use of individual
ID, we can see when these hyenas are captured on these additional camera traps
in order to identify distribution and home ranges, a method known as
capture-recapture. In addition, track and camera trap surveys allow us to
identify the presence of prey species and other carnivores throughout our study
area. With the use of a GPS to record tracks, all this data can be transferred
on to mapping system GIS for us to display different species habitat use. We
are then also able to look at community settlement to determine the overlap
between humans and hyenas.
The second aim is to carry out a feasibility study on striped hyena. Since
this species is near threatened according to IUCN categories and rare to spot, there
are just a few reports and sightings confirm that there is a small population
of striped hyena around Lake Eyasi. By exploration of the area and further
interviews we discovered 2 potential areas occupied by the species so far.
Household interviews and public notification to inform the people of Lake Eyasi
about our aim and objectives give us advice as where to intensify our transect
surveys.
Our
OBJECTIVES are:
- Hyena population density and geographical
distribution
- Clan sizes and their geographical distribution
- Photo-ID of individuals
- Home range of individuals (Capture-Recapture
Method)
- Evaluation of sightings
- Attack incidence investigation
- Building an emergency response
- Determination of conflict hotspots
- Implementation of mitigation solution for
Huma-Hyena-Conflict in collaboration with concerned communities
- Feasibility study to establish a program on
striped hyena
- Workshops on awareness and educational training
for schools and concerned communities
Currently we’re working on the implementation of
a rabies eradication program for Lake Eyasi`s dog population. Rabies is the
main risks for hyena through contract from dogs. This would also be a huge
benefit for people. In the few cases where hyenas attack people, there is a
risk that this is due to rabies and post exposure rabies vaccination are not
available in Tanzania.
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