Assessing the ecological and anthropogenic factors affecting giraffe survival in East Africa

Giraffe (Giraffa spp.) populations have declined by approximately 35% in the last 30 years, with extinctions documented in seven African countries. This decline has been attributed primarily to ecological and anthropogenic factors. In this dissertation, I assessed the impact that disease and human-interactions with wildlife have had on giraffe populations. In Chapter One, I quantified the severity of a skin disease that manifests as crusty, greyish-brown lesions, and has been recorded in at least seven countries. I positioned my study in Tanzania, which has some of the highest rates of giraffe skin disease (GSD) recorded in Africa. Using photogrammetric analysis of camera trap images and digital photos of known individual giraffes, I classified GSD lesions into categories of none, mild, moderate, and severe. My study demonstrated that camera trap images presented an informative platform for skin disease ecology studies.In Chapter Two, I evaluated giraffe-lion interactions in Ruaha National Park, where more than 85% of the giraffe population has GSD. The aim of my study was to assess whether GSD may negatively influence the likelihood of giraffes surviving lion predation attempts. Occurrence of lion marks of was higher for adults and males in the giraffe population suggesting that these individuals were more likely to survive lion attacks. I also found that giraffes are an important prey species for lions in Ruaha National Park but GSD severity plays a minor role in influencing likelihood of surviving a lion predation attempt. I further explored the ecological implications of disease ecology on predator-prey interactions.In Chapter Three, I documented how giraffe body parts are acquired and their intended use (consumptive, trophy, or medicative), in Tsavo Conservation Area, southern Kenya. I conducted semi-structured surveys among 331 households to assess correlations between nine socioeconomic factors and use of giraffe parts. I found that giraffe parts mostly had consumptive and trophy uses. Giraffe parts were predominantly acquired through one-time suppliers, opportunistic access, and widely-known markets. Three variables, namely gender, occupation, and land ownership were significantly and positively correlated with use of giraffe parts. This study detailed the complex nature of poaching and trade of species of conservation concern in coupled human and natural systems.In Chapter Four, I explored the complex ways in which background conditions in the environment, coupled with previous experience with wildlife risks influences people's attitudes toward wildlife in Tsavo Conservation Area, southern Kenya. Respondents stated that baboons (Papio cynocephalus), elephants (Loxodonta africana), and lions (Panthera leo) posed the greatest risks to human security and private property. Respondents that experienced previous risks from wildlife in their villages desired those populations to decrease whereas respondents without access to grazing lands for livestock were inclined to see those wildlife populations increase. My study showed that human attitudes toward wildlife in coupled human and natural systems are more complex than previously considered.I conclude my dissertation by providing considerations for future studies and highlighting the importance of tailoring conservation interventions to the critically important local contexts and traditional knowledge.