Elephant crop damage and electric fence construction in the Maputo Elephant Reserve, Mozambique

Abstract

A 38 km electric fence is being constructed along part of the western border of the Maputo Elephant Reserve. At present the cost of the fence construction and maintenance (estimated at 41,500 USD per year) far outweighs the cost of crop damage (estimated about 8800 USD per year), but is considered that the fence will eventually not only lead to a decrease in crop damage by elephants but will contribute to better control of poaching and of access by people to the Reserve. During 1996 and 1997 crop raiding information was gleaned from data sheets completed by 12 informants from 8 different villages surrounding the Reserve and followup investigations of complaints received during meetings held in each of villages. Elephants preferred maize, melons and beans, and the raid frequency was highest during harvest seasons and the proportion of crop damage was higher on the more productive fields. In the most affected areas, 90% of the farmers reported crop damage and 26% of the crops were lost to elephants. The total damaged area was about 10% of 983 ha of cultivated fields. Most farmers felt the traditional methods of frightening elephants were not effective, and chose the option of constructing an electric fence.