2025/11/17 by Liomba‐Junior Mathe, Paul J. Johnson, Jane Hunt +2 · 1 voice
paper · doi:10.1093/9780198945222.003.0101
openalex created_date 2025/11/17 · openalex publication_date 2025/11/17 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/14
Abstract This article evaluates the effectiveness of using predator-proof livestock enclosures (mobile bomas) to protect livestock from attacks by large carnivores, particularly lions. The article also describes the co-benefit effect of increased soil fertility leading to higher crop yields. Bomas, designed to house livestock at night, are erected on and rotated between fallow crop fields. Dung and urine from confined livestock provide nutrients for crops subsequently planted on the site. To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile bomas in enhancing crop yield, the study covered by this article designed monitoring protocols for measuring plant growth rate in 15 treatment plots and adjacent control plots. The height, stem diameter, number of leaves, length, and number of cobs per plant were all higher in crop fields where mobile bomas had been sited, providing strong evidence for improved soil fertility. Treatment plots remained fertile for at least 5 years although rainfall was also an important factor affecting variability in yield. No livestock housed in bomas were attacked by carnivores over the study period. This study highlights the dual benefits, of mobile bomas to both biodiversity and local livelihoods in areas where humans and lions coexist. The enhanced crop productivity and reduced loss of livestock to predators may further increase farmers’ tolerance of lion conservation and increase positivity of local people towards large carnivores more generally.