Factors influencing the occurrence and conflict of the Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) in an urban area in Khuzestan Province, Iran

Human-wildlife conflict is on the rise due to human occupation of wildlife habitats and declining wild prey. In this study, we assessed factors influencing the presence of the Indian grey mongoose (IGM), as a species compatible with the human environment and in conflict with humans, and factors affecting poultry depredation by IGM in a residential area of 73 ha in Mollasani city, Khuzestan Province. Social network analysis and Naïve Bayes classification were used along with completion and analysis of 150 questionnaires. The results showed that 42.7% of the interviewees had experienced IGM predatory attacks on poultry during 2010-2019. Results of the social network analysis showed that the interviewees perceived depletion of wild prey in adjacent habitats and presence of anthropogenic food waste in the study area as main factors influencing the presence of the IGM, leading to conflict with the residents. Results of the Naïve Bayes classification revealed that protection of poultry in suitable enclosures and management of human waste will decrease poultry depredation by the IGM. Adopting approaches to reduce conflict with humans, while promoting the species’ role in controlling snake and rodent populations, can increase local acceptance of this carnivore.