In recent times there have been reports of elephants sauntering into farmlands in some communities in Boki LGA of Cross River State, resulting in destruction of crops and other economic trees as well as human-elephant conflict.
To stem this, the country director of Wildlife Conservation Society, WCS, Dr Inayom Imong has called for stronger collaboration between communities, government and NGOs working on conservation.
Speaking with DAILY POST in Calabar, Imong said this collaboration will stem the incessant conflicts, which endangers elephants and other wildlife in protected areas.
“This collaboration will find lasting solutions, including ways to deter elephants from leaving protected areas.”
Last week, a lone elephant left its habitat in the Cross River National Park, CRNP, into Butatong community in search of fruits. As a result, destroyed farmlands and crops, thereby drawing the anger of the natives who threaten an attack.
Imong confirmed the incident and said they were able to save the animal back to its home but disagreed that they usually destroyed houses or killed humans. On the contrary, he said humans have been killing the animals for food and economic gain.
“I am not aware of any cases where elephants have destroyed houses or attacked humans in Cross River State. However, there are multiple reports of elephants being killed by poachers for economic gain. Some even enter the national park to carry out these killings.”
He disclosed that, at least, two elephants are killed each year by poachers, some of whom hire specialists with sophisticated equipment from outside the state.
As a result, Imong lamented that there are fewer than 50 elephants remaining in the Okwango Division of CRNP, and another 50 in the Oban Division.
On how elephants could be prevented from entering communities, Imong said they often use gunpowder cannons, so that the loud sound scares the elephants away because they associate it with poachers.
“We have used this successfully in many communities of Boki LGA.
“We are also considering beehive fences, as elephants dislike bees, and encouraging farmers to plant crops like pepper, which elephants avoid.”
Warning against poaching, the conservationist disclosed that these animals have the potential to rake in much revenue from eco-tourism.
“There 100 Elephants, 100 gorillas, and 150 chimpanzees and other wildlife in Cross River State. They have huge eco-tourism potential. They can generate significant revenue if properly conserved.
“Communities must therefore take responsibility alongside government and organizations like WCS to manage conflicts and protect these species. Conservation works best through collaboration.”
On issue of compensation, he said it is under discussion, but that it is complex and resource-intensive, requiring collaboration between government and NGOs and extensive engagement with affected communities.
He also doubted possibility of relocating the people from the neighbourhood of the CRNP.
Conservationist urges stronger collaboration to stem elephant-human conflict in Cross River
