Preventing crop raiding by the vulnerable common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in Guinea-Bissau
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Published source details
González L.M., Montoto F.G., Mereck T., Alves J., Pereira J., de Larrinoa P.F., Maroto A., Bolonio L. & El Kadhir N. (2017) Preventing crop raiding by the vulnerable common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in Guinea-Bissau. Oryx, 51, 222-229.
Published source details González L.M., Montoto F.G., Mereck T., Alves J., Pereira J., de Larrinoa P.F., Maroto A., Bolonio L. & El Kadhir N. (2017) Preventing crop raiding by the vulnerable common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in Guinea-Bissau. Oryx, 51, 222-229.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Install electric fencing to protect crops from mammals to reduce human-wildlife conflict Action Link |
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Install electric fencing to protect crops from mammals to reduce human-wildlife conflict
A replicated, controlled study in 2008–2012 of 100 rice fields in the Bijagos archipelago and Oio and Gabau regions, Guinea Bissau (González et al. 2017) found that electric fences deterred hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius entry into fields. The proportion of fenced fields where hippopotamuses were detected (1.3%) was lower that of unfenced fields (80.0%). Hippopotamuses were monitored in 100 rice fields in 2008–2011 in Orango Islands National Park and Uno Island and, in 2012–2013, in Cacheu National Park. Seventy-five rice fields had electric fences and 25 were unfenced. Fences were 80 cm high, were made out of 2.5-mm-diameter aluminium wire, connected to an energizer unit. Fences also comprised rope between wooden stakes, with strips of red and white striped plastic at 1-m intervals. Vegetation was cut from within 2–3 m around the wires twice each week. Fenced and unfenced fields were surveyed every 3–4 days for hippopotamus footprints.
(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)
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