Coexistence challenge: human-gorilla conflict and behavioural analyses
Abstract
Human-wildlife coexistence is a complex issue especially when agricultural fields border natural forests and protected areas. Kika hills in the southern east region of Cameroon are locally known to be a refuge for western... [ view full abstract ]
Human-wildlife coexistence is a complex issue especially when agricultural fields border natural forests and protected areas. Kika hills in the southern east region of Cameroon are locally known to be a refuge for western lowland gorilla. Since few years, conflicts have been continuously reported due to crop-raiding behaviour of this wildlife species. While tension is leading the local smallholder farmers involve in this conflict matter, understanding the drivers and perceptions of human-gorilla conflict and coexistence at site scale is a key issue for great apes conservation. Here, the objectives were to conduct the first baseline survey of human-gorilla conflict in Kika, investigate both parties behaviour and propose ways of coexistence. We conducted a one-week preliminary visit in the area to test and administrate our questionnaire, observe farms and familiarize with the local population. Further, we conducted focus-group discussions with local farmers in order to collect their views on conflict with wildlife. The 40 farmers interviewed mentioned gorilla species to be the most problem for their crops. A positive correlation of 71.4% (R² = 0,510) has been found between the various crops and gorilla raiding behaviour. The four main speculations concerned with this crop-raiding behaviour of gorilla are: Musa spp., Manihot spp., Carica papaya and Zea mays. 75% of farmers attested that this crop-raiding occurs only during the raining seasons. Many farmers are aware of national wildlife regulations regarding great apes but 25% are not sure to continue tolerate this crop-raiding by gorillas without any indemnification. The main reasons for coexistence with this great apes species seem to be cultural and educational. While bush-meat trade and consumption are active in this zone, 60% of the farmers are indigenous of this region and some of them believe Gorilla to be their tribe “totem”, they cannot kill or eat it. Some few farmers are Muslims and attested that their religion does not permit them to kill or eat this animal. Throughout sensitization, farmers are aware that the killing of gorilla means prison. This baseline study reveals that human-wildlife coexistence and conflict mitigation are possible by combining multiple approaches.
Authors
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Mbosso Patrick Armel
(MonitorTrust)
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Marius Guy Jopel Elombo Sonne
(University of Douala)
Topic Areas
Topics: Human-Wildlife Conflict , Topics: Cognitive Research (Values, Attitudes, Behaviors) , Topics: Discourses about Wildlife
Session
(01:00 - Thursday, 1st January)
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