Human–giraffe conflict in eastern Kenya: local interactions, attitudes, perceived risks, and pathways to coexistence

IntroductionGiraffe populations across Africa face increasing pressures from habitat loss, poaching, and climate-driven resource scarcity, often intensifying interactions with nearby communities. In eastern Kenya, these pressures have contributed to emerging human–giraffe conflict (HGC), including crop losses, competition for water, and occasional livestock injuries. Although this reticulated giraffes play an important ecosystem role in the African savanna and the socio-economic well-being of Af