Human-elephant conflict mitigation measures in Hwange

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.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.

کلیدواژه ها:

Human-elephant conflict ، Mitigation methods