Abstract:
This study assessed the nature and local people’s perceptions of
human-crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) conflicts (HCCs) for the period
2007 to 2016 in Kariba town, northern Zimbabwe. A mixed-method
approach was used with 150 local fish folks interviewed between July
and October 2017 through face-to-face interviews and secondary data
on HCC were retrieved from the wildlife authority’s records. In contrast
to the general perception from fish folks that there was an increase in
HCC, secondary data analysis showed no significant trends of crocodile
attacks on people for the period under study. HCC was mainly driven
by fishing activities which exposed people to crocodile attacks. The
study concludes that despite the recorded non-increasing trend in
HCCs, HCC is a major conservation issue in Kariba town given
enhanced human–wildlife interactions due to the economic needs
for local livelihoods. Community educational programs are recommended
as a way to manage HCC and close gaps between the conventional
scientific and local knowledge.
