Interactions between humans and red-billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) in Kondoa District, central
Tanzania, have shaped the attitudes of the local inhabitants toward these birds. These birds are
considered as serious pest because they consume small grain cereal crops. The red-billed Queleas are
caught and consumed as food by local communities. Harvested birds are also sold at bus stops to
passengers, as well as to local villagers, as a source of household income. This study aimed to evaluate
the influence of differential costs and benefits of the red-billed Quelea, as well as the socio-economic
factors (education level, gender, age and economic activity) that might shape the attitudes of the local
inhabitants of Kondoa. To explore their attitudes, a questionnaire survey was randomly conducted
among 360 households in six villages from June to August 2012. Most of the inhabitants who incurred
costs of crop damage exhibited negative attitudes toward the red-billed Quelea, despite the benefits
obtained from them. In contrast, those who benefitted from harvested Quelea birds exhibited positive
attitudes towards the red-billed Quelea. The most important socio-economic factors influencing both
positive and negative attitudes were education and gender. In contrast, economic activity only
influenced negative attitudes. To change negative attitudes towards the birds; practical, economical and
applicable solutions for the Quelea pest problem are needed while considering the future conservation
of the species in the area.