Assessment of the efficiency of problematic animal interventions in mitigating human wildlife conflicts in Uganda: a case study of Lake Mburo National Park

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of interventions targeting problematic species in mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflicts (HWCs) in Uganda, with a focus on Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP), conducted in 6 (six) parishes surrounding LMNP. The study employed a survey method with semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess the nature of human-wildlife conflicts, the socio-economic impact of the HWCs, the communities coping strategies, and the efficiency of the interventions in place. Crop raids, livestock injury and death, property destruction, and competition for resources were the main conflicts identified, primarily involving species such as hippos, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, waterbucks, leopards, hyenas, bushbucks, wild pigs, and warthogs. Community coping strategies included guarding crops and livestock, fencing around their gardens and grazing farms, scare tactics (e.g., scarecrows, torches, drumming, campfires), and reliance on Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for management. UWA manages HWCs with direct interventions and strategies that promote tolerance for wildlife on community land. Direct interventions include scaring with gunshots, use of trenches for non-jumping animals like hippos, buffaloes, wild pigs and warthogs, and use of strong enclosures and fencing. The results highlight that hippos (76%), zebras (68%), and buffaloes (54%) are the most problematic species around Lake Mburo National Park, with crop raiding, livestock injury/loss, human injury/loss, and destruction of property being the most frequent forms of human-wildlife conflicts which significantly impacts local livelihoods. The study reveals that guarding property (98%) is the most effective and commonly used intervention, though stressful and time-consuming. Other measures, such as strong shelters, trapping, translocation, and various deterrents, show varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the species involved. The study concluded that understanding the species-specific and context-specific effectiveness of these interventions is crucial for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate HWC. The insights gained from this research can inform future conflict mitigation strategies and contribute to the broader discourse on human-wildlife coexistence in Uganda and similar settings worldwide.

Keywords: Animal interventions, Mitigating human wildlife, Lake Mburo National Park