Tamar Uguzashvili, Conservation Program Manager of SABUKO has attended the 10th Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Symposium, held in Canakkale, Turkey. She presented SABUKO’s study – Understanding Human-wildlife Conflict on the Iori Plateau to the audience.

The study investigated human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) on the Iori plateau in Georgia, focusing on predator-related livestock losses and local attitudes toward the reintroduction of goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa). Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to farmers using winter pastures in Vashlovani, Samukhi, and Chachuna protected areas. Statistical analyses revealed that higher sheep-to-dog ratios and larger herd sizes were associated with increased livestock losses, with significant variation across locations. 75% of farmers supported gazelle reintroduction, with no significant influence of their age, education, or experience. These findings highlight the need for multifaceted HWC management strategies that address both ecological pressures and community perspectives.

The presentation is available on researchgate.net