Wildlife damage and control methods around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Pest Management
Abstract
This study documents the different management and control measures developed and implemented by farmers to
mitigate vertebrate pest attacks on crops and livestock around Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. A semistructured
interview administered to 40 randomly selected park neighbours was supplemented with key informant
interviews, a review of secondary data, and direct observations of vertebrate pest problems and their management.
All participant farmers had experienced some damage from vertebrate pests. Bushpigs ranked as the most destructive
to crops, while leopards were most destructive to livestock. Most damage occurred during severe dry seasons. The
most common methods for combating pests were guarding, fencing, and poisoning. Physical guarding was perceived
as being the most effective method; however, there were reports of pest resurgence, which varied between pest species,
seasons, and methods used. Bushpigs showed the greatest resistance against control measures. Control efforts were
found to be tedious and time-consuming, and they created the possibility for the transfer of infectious diseases
from pests to humans. We recommend conscious efforts to augment local control methods so as to enhance both
biodiversity conservation and farm production.
Description
Keywords
Crop raiding, Human–wildlife conflict, Mburo, Pest control, Vertebrate pest
Citation
Mnason Tweheyo , David Mwesigye Tumusiime , Nelson Turyahabwe , Asaph Asiimwe & Lawrence Orikiriza (2012) Wildlife damage and control methods around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda, International Journal of Pest Management, 58:1, 25-31, DOI: 10.1080/09670874.2011.641605