The impact of livestock grazing on the behavioural ecology of African savanna herbivores

Background: Wildlife in sub-Saharan Africa is under intensifying pressure from human activities as the continent’s human population continues to grow. On savannas, herbivores increasingly share their pastures with livestock but the ecological consequences of coexistence remains poorly understood.

Reflecting this knowledge gap, attitudes to livestock grazing in savanna landscapes are highly conflicting, with some stakeholders emphasizing beneficial facilitation and others destructive interference and resource competition.

According to their interests, the student will design a field project using a combination of behavioural ecological and sociological techniques to investigate:
(i) the species-specific impact of livestock grazing on wild savanna herbivores and the underlying eco-evolutionary basis, and
(ii) the sociopsychological factors driving the behaviour of livestock herders.

The study aims to provide valuable information for natural resource management.

Objectives:
(1) To establish the behavioural responses of savanna herbivores to livestock grazing and associated human activities.
(2) To investigate the sociopsychological basis for decision-making among livestock herders and thereby identify options for change.