The gradual transformation of the Amazon rainforest into urban and agricultural areas is leading to the loss and fragmentation of feline habitats in French Guiana. The increasing anthropisation of the territory is bringing these predators closer to local populations, which is intensifying conflicts, particularly with livestock farmers. Since 2018, the HISA association has recorded around 100 attacks each year and has observed that more than half of French Guiana’s livestock farmers are affected by these interactions. Lacking the means to protect their herds, farmers often resort to retaliatory shooting.
In 2020, in response to the emergency, HISA deployed several protection measures on various farms in French Guiana, such as lighting devices (Foxlight), electric fences, and the acquisition of Kangal guard dogs, through the COFEEL (COexistence FElins-Eleveurs) project.
Although the effectiveness of Kangal dogs in protecting livestock is widely recognised in various regions of the world (Namibia, mainland France, Turkey), a lack of financial resources has limited the acquisition of these dogs in French Guiana. This has hampered HISA’s ability to conduct a rigorous statistical assessment of their impact. Nevertheless, initial observations made among volunteer farmers, who are very satisfied with the scheme, are promising.
The project, led by the HISA association, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this protective measure in order to offer it more widely to farmers in the region. Twelve puppies will be acquired and trained by pre-selected volunteer farmers. Rigorous evaluation protocols will be put in place to measure the effectiveness of the method, while closely monitoring the environmental impact of the dogs. Exchange workshops will also be organised, bringing together Guyanese and foreign farmers in the region who have already adopted this measure, thus creating a valuable opportunity to share expertise and feedback on the implementation of this measure.
Duration: 18 months
