Conservation and management of the Nile crocodile "Crocodylus niloticus" in Uganda, a case study of Lake Victoria and Victoria Nile River at Murchison Falls National Park

Abstract

Trabajo Fin de Máster Propio. Tutores: Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellin ; Dr. Christopher Bakuneeta. The study focused on the conservation and management of C.nilotus in Uganda, in one protected habitat Murchison Falls National, and non-protected Lake Victoria. The study aimed at determining the C. niloticus population status, nature and extent of human-crocodile conflict and challenges facing the ranching program regulated by CITES. During the study, day and night spotlight counts were carried out in both habitats, as well as a survey of human-crocodile conflict targeting the victims and residents. Local communities were interviewed to obtain indigenous knowledge on C. niloticus conservation and management. Key informant interviews were conducted with authorities and the ranching company. Spotlight survey revealed 1,102 crocodiles in Murchison Falls National Park in a ratio of 1.5:1:2.5 for juveniles, sub-adults and adults, respectively. Also, 210 C.niloticus from Lake Victoria were estimated from direct observations collaborated with community interviews. There were 310 human crocodile attacks recorded from around L. Victoria and 32 incidents from the MFNP. The significant factors that collaborated in this conflict were ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, education, and water-based livelihood activities such as fishing and fetching water for domestic use. Ranching is largely affected by limited eggs and technology to increase outputs. The results of this study point to the need to increase capture and conversion of problem crocodiles to breeding stock for eggs to support ranching, as well as ensure continuous species monitoring. Uganda mahy with CITES provisions if there is continuous monitoring and reporting on all aspects of crocodile ranching as provided under resolution Conf. 11.16.