The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has been introduced to parts of South Africa outside of its known range. The species is considered an agricultural pest and a threat to the natural environment. As some farmers are employing a shoot on sight strategy, our study aimed to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of warthog meat according to sex. Five muscles from male warthogs had higher shear force values (i.e. were less tender) compared to females. Allmuscles had a total protein content >20% and total lipid content ≤2.2%. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids of the Longissimus lumborum muscle was <0.45. We also provide descriptive data on the characteristics of carcass yields and meat from juvenile sows and boars. It is suggested that warthog meat should be produced and marketed as whole muscle cuts and not as the typical commercial cuts used for domestic animals.

Wildlife tourism provides an opportunity to offset conservation costs and promote co-existence between people and wildlife. To promote conservation through wildlife tourism, one can use flagship species; charismatic species that increase awareness and public recognition of a site, and stimulate financial and political support for conservation. Due to their large area requirements and sensitivity to disturbance, promoting conservation of large carnivores automatically promotes conservation of other species, and the use of large carnivores as flagship species has been positively related to ecosystem conservation. In this study, we interviewed wildlife tourists to determine which large carnivores could serve as flagship species for the Zimbabwe component of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), an area that is expected to become a premier tourist destination and make a significant contribution to conservation. Based on likability and the possibility to raise funds and promote the area, lion (Panthera leo) was the most suitable flagship species, closely followed by leopard (Panthera pardus). Spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) was the least suitable flagship species. Despite its endangered status, African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) did not seem to have a high potential to serve as a flagship species for the area. Although cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was less often mentioned as a species tourists were hoping to see or a favourite species seen, cheetah was liked as much as lion and leopard and provided similar potential to raise funds and promote the area. Flagship species status does not have to apply to a single species, it can also successfully apply to a cohort of species. With the KAZA TFCA being in the unique position of harbouring the largest free-roaming cheetah population in Zimbabwe, it would be appropriate if the area was promoted by using large cats as a flagship species cohort.

Spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) experience a range of influences that affect their demography and are generally regulated by density-dependent mechanisms. Although widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa surprisingly few spotted hyaena populations have reliable estimates of population sizes, and almost nothing is known about the trends in hyaena numbers. In most areas, threats due to anthropogenic disturbance or diseases are therefore not possible to evaluate. We calibrated a call-up method designed to achieve unbiased counts of African lions (Panthera leo) to estimate spotted hyaena numbers simultaneously. This greatly reduces the time and cost of surveys for these two dominant large carnivores in African savannas. We evaluated the effect of preferred prey biomass, lion density and disease on spotted hyaena population abundance in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and found evidence only for an effect of prey biomass. Our results suggest that the persistence of spotted hyaena is not threatened in the Kruger National Park.

The Nile crocodile,Crocodylus niloticus, is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Namibia, Botswana and Angola. The species was transferred from CITES Appendix I to Appendix II in 2004, although it is recognized as peripherally endangered in Namibia due to diminishing habitat availability primarily from human encroachment. In 2013, a species management plan was approved in Namibia to assess the management of the Namibian Nile crocodile populations. During 2012, an aerial survey was conducted to provide an estimate of Nile crocodile population numbers. A recently developed N-mixture model for estimation of abundance and spatial variation was used. Detection probability correlated to animal size and environmental covariates. Our data also suggest that small crocodiles are easier to detect during the spring. The abundance for different size classes was influenced by river complexity (vegetation, depth, channels) and the distribution of human settlements. An estimated 806 individuals were counted along the 352 km Namibian portion of the Kunene River system with a conservative estimate of 562 crocodiles regardless of size. The parameter estimates generated by the analysis suggested that the class-structured model can produce reliable estimates of total abundance and of local abundance for this section in the Kunene River system.

The human population in Kenya has doubled over the last 25 years and is expected to rise two fold by 2050. Thus, pressure for human space has led to encroachment into wildlife habitats, increasing human—wildlife interactions. Such interactions pose serious health risks to both humans and wildlife, yet studies to understand these risks are limited in Kenya. To understand the possible predisposing factors for zoonoses at the human—wildlife interface, a survey was carried out in Nthongoni, an area bordering Tsavo and Chyulu Hills national parks in Kenya. Questionnaires were administered to 11 key informants and 200 residents from 35 villages. Our results indicate that the majority (75%) of the respondents suffered from crop raids and livestock depredation by wildlife. On their part, residents killed wildlife for: subsistence (41%), revenge (35%), bush-meat trade (22%), and other undisclosed reasons. Nineteen per cent of the respondents were knowledgeable about disease transmission through bush-meat. Qualitative data revealed helplessness, bitterness and revenge tendencies by farmers due to wildlife losses, which contributed to their poverty. This study enhances our understanding of human—wildlife interactions and the associated socioeconomic, health and conservation implications. It demonstrates the predicaments communities living adjacent to wildlife areas face and the need to involve them in sustainable management of the areas. We recommend identification of appropriate alternative livelihoods, to mitigate illegal bush-meat and agricultural practices that attract wildlife, leading to conflicts. In addition, responsive health and conservation education, and participatory research aimed at advising policy, are necessary to cushion the communities from wildlife damages.