Human-elephant conflict mitigation measures in Hwange

Authors

  • Farai Madzimure Lecturer, Geography and Environmental Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Bulawayo Campus, Zimbabwe

Keywords:

Human-elephant conflict, Mitigation methods

Abstract

This study assessed the human-elephant conflict mitigation measures in Victoria Falls town, Hwange West communal area and the resettlement areas of Don Rovin, Mubiya and Kalala. The observation method was the main instrument used for data collection. Results indicate that the common form of preventing elephants from raiding crops in the area is guarding. During the survey, the researcher observed villagers who were guarding their crops to prevent elephants raids. The villagers indicated that guarding was effective as they were doing it collectively as a village. People take turns to guard crops. One group guard in the afternoon and another guards during the night. A fire is used to show presence of people. Electric fence is also used to prevent elephants from entering in the fields. The electric fence restricts the movement of elephants into the residential areas of the Victoria Falls town. During the survey, the researcher observed some trenches dug to prevent elephants from entering crop fields. Trenches are also used to prevent elephants from entering a vegetable gardens in the area.

References

Kawulich, B.B., 2005. Participant observation as a data collection method. Forum Qual. Soc. Res., 6, 2.

Kusena, K., 2009. Land cover change and its support to human-elephant conflict in the Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia Trans boundary Resource Management Area. CBM Swedish Biodiversity Centre.

Larmaque, F., 2009. Human-elephant conflict in Africa: Causes, consequences and management strategies. FAO Forestry Paper.

Leimgruber, P., 2003. Fragmentation of Asia remaining wildland: Implications for Asian elephant conservation. Anim. Conservat., 6, 347-359.

Marshall, C., Ross man, G.B., 1989. Design Qual. Res. Sage.

Parker, G.E., Osborn, F.V., Hoare, R.E., Niskanen, L.S. (eds.), 2007. Human-elephant conflict mitigation: A training course for community-based approaches in Africa. Participant’s manual. Elephants Pepper Development Trust, Livingstone, Zambia and UCN/SSC AfESG, Nairobi, Kenya.

Smith, N.O., 2006. A scientific perspective on the management of elephants in the Krugar National park and elsewhere. South Afr. J. Sci., 102.

Smith, R.J., 2000. A spatial analysis of human-elephant conflict in the Tsavo ecosystem, Kenya. Human-elephant conflict task force of IUCN.

Tchamba, T.N., 1996. History and present status of the human-elephant conflict in the Waza Logone district. Biol. Conservat., 75, 35-41.

Treves, A., 2000. Balancing the needs of people and elephants: When elephants damage crops and kill livestock. Land Tenure Brief 7.

Umaru, I.G., 2009. Research methodology: Principles of applications in behavioural sciences.

Published

2017-09-23

How to Cite

Madzimure, F. . (2017). Human-elephant conflict mitigation measures in Hwange. Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 6(9), 666-672. Retrieved from https://sjournals.com/index.php/sjpas/article/view/53

Issue

Section

Environmental Sciences