Patterns of crop raiding by primates around the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
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Date
2005
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wildlife Biology
Abstract
Crop raiding by primates in particular and wild animals in general is a significant
source of people-forest conflict around the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda.
Crop loss to wild animals undermines local support for conservation efforts
in this area. Patterns of primate crop raiding were studied over a period of 14
months in six villages (five adjacent to the Budongo Forest Reserve and one
that is approximately 3,500 m from the forest edge). Data were collected via a
questionnaire survey. Additional information was obtained from the relevant
local government offices. Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes, baboons Papio anubis,
other monkeys, bush pigs Potamochoeus procus and porcupines Hystrix
cristata were reported by farmers to be the major causes of crop losses by wildlife.
Of farmers, 73% reported suffering crop damage caused by primates, and
79% considered baboons to be the most destructive of all crop raiding species.
Drought, insect pests, poor sowing, plant diseases and accidental fires were other
sources of crop losses to farmers, though the risk of crop damage particularly
by primates is perceived as the most serious potential cause of losses. Using
chimpanzees as a case study, patterns of crop damage across the year are compared
with seasonal fluctuations in availability of wild foods.
Description
Keywords
Budongo Forest Reserve, Conservation, Crop raiding, Farmers, primates, Uganda, Wild animals
Citation
Tweheyo, M., Hill, C. M., & Obua, J. (2005). Patterns of crop raiding by primates around the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda. Wildlife Biology, 11(3), 237-247.