Final Report for Survey of Crocodile Population in Kwale District, Kenya toReduce Human-Crocodile Conflict
A. Pearcy
Introduction
While crocodilians are found in various areas of the tropics and subtropics, none are so feared as theNile crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
found throughout the African continent. This fear has protectedthe crocodiles, until recently when expanding human populations have reduced the barrier betweenman and nature. Human crocodile conflict has come to the forefront of both crocodile conservationand social awareness due to increased predation on livestock and humans. Management plans havebeen enacted in several African countries, but some locations have not yet had the time and means tomonitor their crocodile populations in order to better protect and inform their people.The Kenya Wildlife Service of Kwlae District on the south coast of Kenya has noted an increasednumber of human-crocodile conflicts over the last few years. They requested assistance in seekingout solutions for reducing or preventing these conflicts to better protect the people of the district.The KWS Strategic guidelines for 2008-2010 calls first and foremost for scientific research beneficialto wildlife management. In its extended version through 2012, people become a top priority. Thisstudy was in direct line with these guidelines.This paper discusses the work conducted, results of our limited study, and suggestions for reducingand preventing human-crocodile conflicts in the Kwale District. It includes a map from crocodilehotspots throughout the district and a manual for conducting quarterly monitoring, a necessaryaddition to the Kenya Wildlife Service routine if prevention of conflict is the goal.We initially set out to estimate population size and distribution throughout the district using hot spots of conflict as field site locations. However, from our limited field time and the season in whichwe conducted our study (dry), we were unable to fully assess population size and/or methods of prevention. The following suggestions are based only on methods used in other areas with similarsituations.
Methods
Data was collected from the Problem Animal Control (PAC) reports on human-crocodile conflict andpresented below. Also, a number of hotspots were visited to assess the area. Finally, we conductednight surveys in two locations with the assistance of Global Vision International (GVI) staff andvolunteers. Resources were limited and spotlighting was conducted from the banks of the river. GPScoordinates and pictures of the sites have been included to account for spelling differences.
Crocodiles of Kwale District
Given that our research time was during the dry season or short rains, the water levels were quitelow. Only two locations were fresh water; all others were very saline. While Nile crocodiles canwithstand some levels of salinity, they are not physiologically built for high saline waters. From this,we can assume that the majority of crocodile activity in the district occurs during and just after thewet season, when the water from upstream dilutes the river ends within the district.
Reconnaisance survey crocodile incident hotspots Kwale district
Date: 21-11-10Observers:
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Corporal Hassan Bhanje, PAC Officer KWS
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