Effective mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts
requires an ability to understand where and when
HWC
incidences are most likely to occur, the main
causes of such conflicts and the best way to respond to
them,
coupled with an ability to mount the HWC response
rapidly and cost effectively. One of the most
effective
ways of better understanding HWC is through the
careful documentation of information about HWC
incidences
as and when they occur. In this regard, under this
action, MMNR managers will establish a HWC
database in which information on conflict
incidences will be recorded (such as the date, type, and location
of
incidences etc.). This database will enable
geographic and temporal trends in conflicts around the MMNR
to
be understood, and as a result, will improve the
targeting and efficiency of HWC responses.
Much of the HWC around the MMNR takes place in
remote and inaccessible parts of the ecosystem,
far
from the borders of the MMNR. Close collaboration
in the collection of HWC data will therefore be
required
with other appropriate organisations operating in
the wider ecosystem, as well as in subsequently
addressing
HWC incidences. This is particularly important
with the neighbouring community conservancies,
the KWS District Office and the community scout
network (supported under Action 1.2). Effective
collabo-
rations will involve awareness raising and
training in protocols for recording and reporting HWC
incidences,
and may also require the provision of equipment
(such as GPS machines or radios), and periodic
meetings
between collaborators to review data collection
procedures, and HWC response mechanisms. Once
operational,
information from the database will be periodically
analysed, and the results incorporated into
maps
and other simple awareness-raising materials to
inform communities about main conflict areas and
suggested
prevention measures (potentially in conjunction
with the awareness-raising activities carried out under
Action
1.3 above).
