Analysis of human and wildlife coexistence in national parks; the case study of okomu and cross river national parks, Nigeria

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts occur in areas where frequent interactions exist between man and wildlife, leading to conflicts. This study undertook a critical analysis of human and wildlife co-existence between two National Parks in Nigeria. Surveys conducted with eight communities shed light on conflicts and how to improve human-wildlife co-existence based on the following criteria: benefit accrued to the community and compensation. A survey was conducted in eight communities to examine the level of conflicts between the communities and wildlife in the area and how to improve human wildlife co-existence based on the adoption of benefit sharing and compensation for crop damage in the management of the two parks. A multistage sampling technique was employed, including a purposive sampling design used to select the communities and a simple random sampling technique used to determine households to participate in the survey. Data was collected from households in communities adjacent to Cross River National Park (n = 203) Okomu National Park (n = 198). The results indicate that to improve co-existence with wildlife, The findings of the research recommend more focus on local social and economic benefits, wildlife compensation, and special attention to reducing conflicts through mitigation strategies.