The impact of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) on the communal livelihoods: a case study of areas surrounding Ruti Dam in Gutu and Buhera districts in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Ruti dam is located on the Nyazvidzi river, and is home to many Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), which rely on fish and livestock for food. The community also relies on the dam and riverine for its resources. The investigation of crocodile impacts on humans and livestock, the trends and seasonality of attacks and identification of other predators resulted in formulation of research. The field interviews, using a structured questionnaire, field observation and focused group discussions were mainly used in data collection. Threats posed by crocodiles were identified as mainly human and livestock depredation, which has increased since the introduction of the crocodiles into the dam. The crocodile depredation varies between seasons, due to differences in water levels in the dam, and availability of alternative water sources. The attacks were mostly during the dry season and at the beginning of the wet season, when there were fewer water sources and when the water was dark and murky. The study assessed the human-crocodile conflict situation, based on interviews with the local residents and focused group discussions with fishermen. The conflict arose with livestock farmers after animal kills and fishermen, in cases of death, injury or damage to fishing gear. The killing of either humans or livestock was during the early hours of the day. Hostile attitudes of the residents towards crocodiles were high (83.9%). The majority, given the chance to eliminate the crocodile, would do so mercilessly. These negative attitudes can only be ameliorated when the damage is adequately compensated. The absence of compensation has increased the conflict, though no retaliation is taken against the crocodiles. The crocodiles prefer cattle in their kills (41% and 48%), followed by goats (38% and 25%), and, lastly, humans, in Buhera Rural District Council (BRDC) and Gutu Rural District Council (GRDC), respectively. Livestock farmers who stay close to the dam and Nyazvidzi suffer more losses, as their animals are more oftenly exposed to the dangers of crocodile predation, than those of farmers who stay far away, as they can use alternative water sources, and their animals are less likely to be exposed to the dangers of the crocodiles. The settlement pattern in BRDC has had an influence on predation. The farmers have also developed new livestock management techniques to reduce the loss of livestock. The fishermen suffer net damage on most occasions of their fish catches, as the crocodile might have learnt to follow the plastic floats on the water for easier prey from the nets. The fishing strategies have been developed to reduce fish loss. The death of fishermen is mostly that of people who enter the dam without canoes; no deaths were recorded of fishermen in canoes. Also, no capsizing of canoes has been recorded in Ruti dam, as fishermen always move in groups. Attacks in the Nyazvidzi River were on women and schoolchildren. Hyenas, as with the crocodile, have contributed to high kills of livestock (71.1%) and human kills were also reported in 2012 and July 2013. Though conflicts exist in the area, recommendations were made which might help to lower the conflicts. Educational campaigns and direct incentives from predator losses were identified as the main factors in conflict resolutions. The information on the importance of the predators and how or when it kills should be taught to respondents as they will be able to protect their livelihood.