The state and perceptions of human-crocodile interactions around Murchison falls conservation area, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Wildlife conflicts between people and large herbivores or mammalian carnivores are widely researched in Africa, but there is limited work on human-crocodile conflicts (HCC). In Uganda, conservation efforts have enabled the recovery of the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) population, yet the expanding human population and activities increasingly overlap with crocodile habitats resulting in negative interactions. This study used a combination of literature review, surveys, and the Nominal Group Technique to investigate the factors underpinning HCC around Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Results indicate that 115 attacks on humans occurred during 2012–2017, 84.3% of these being fatal. Also, 93.1% of the attacks occurred as victims were either fishing or collecting water. Construction of crocodile exclusion enclosures and translocation of problem crocodiles to protected areas were the most preferred mitigation measure. To reduce the prevalence of human injuries and offset local hostility toward crocodiles, conservation actors need to actively engage the affected communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Attacks
• human-wildlife conflicts
• Murchison falls National Park
• Nile crocodile
• nominal group technique
• Uganda

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Flemish University Council - Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) for funding the study for MGA. In Uganda, we thank all the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) staff who helped to acquire the research permits, conduct the fieldwork and support data collection. Lastly, the communities of Murchison Fall Conservation Area (MFCA) and Mayuge are highly appreciated for their collaboration and participation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

Study design and fieldwork: MA, JH, FDG; data analysis and writing the article: MA, JH, FDG, SR & SP.