Patterns of Wildlife damage around Kibale National park

Abstract

This study focused on the patterns of wildlife damage around Kibale Forest National park. The study specifically assessed; the damaging animals, the time when the damage occurred, the control measures used by the local people to reduce damage by wildlife and the financial losses incurred. The study was carried out in Kiko parish in the villages of Ibura, Kanyansohera and Kyamugara all in Kabarole District. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered to sixty respondents randomly selected from the communities around the forest park. Key informant interviews were also conducted with three game rangers and the game warden.Secondary data were obtained from reviewing wildlife reports. The collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Elephants were reported by majority of the respondents (86.4%) as the most damaging. Other less frequently reported animals causing damage were baboons (54 .2%). Damage by carnivores was reported by only 10.2% of the farmers. Attacks by wildlife occurred most frequently during the dry season as a result of limited feed in the forest during this season. However, farmers closest to the forest reported regular attacks irrespective of the season. Farmers opted for guarding as the most effective method to protect their animals and crops from wildlife. Farmers incurred the great financial losses from elephant damage of up to 43 million shillings in a year. The government needs to intervene to control raids from wildlife and preventing people from relying on guarding as the ultimate method. There should be efforts to ensure continuous maintenance of the elephant trench around the protected area.