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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

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e-ISSN : 2347-2677, p-ISSN : 2394-0522

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

2020, Vol. 7 Issue 2, Part A

The presence of snakes in croplands: A serious conflict threat to the local farmers in Bertoua municipality, Eastern region, Cameroon

Author(s):

Melle Ekane Maurice, Nkwatoh Athanasius Fuashi, Ngongpan Honourine Mengwi, Obassi-Anaman Okon, Tim Killian Lengha, Amos Fang Zeh and Nkongho Stanley Ayamba

Abstract:
Human historical experience with venomous snakes has probably shaped our responses to them. In African continent, where venomous snakes are common, most people consider all snake species to possess deadly venom and should be avoided. However, the focus of this survey was to exam the presence of snakes in Bertoua municipality. The research data collection was done by the use of check-sheets for a period of one month from 7:30am-5:30pm each day at the peripheral zone of the municipality. A random spot observation of 444 snakes was made on 6 species, black cobras (Naja melanoleuca), green mambas (Dendroaspis viridis), vipers (Bitis gabonica), green-tree snakes (Dendrelaphis punctulatus), small brown snakes (Dendrelaphis shokan), and python (Python regius). Ecological factors such as weather condition, vegetation, landscape, location, and day-period were also taken into account. The results of this study revealed that vegetation of the study area and weather condition have an association, χ 2 = 6.789 df=4, P<0.05. Additionally, vegetation showed a significant relationship on the snake species χ 2 = 13.158 df=10, P<0.05. Also, vegetation showed an association on the snake location, χ 2 = 6.910 df=2, P<0.05. Furthermore, vegetation revealed a significant relationship on day-periods, χ2 = 12.221 df=4, P=0.016. Human encroachment into wildlife habitat due to population increase has been the main reason for human-wildlife conflict in Cameroon. Unsustainable crop-farming in most parts of Cameroon due to poverty resulting to shifting cultivation, a longstanding farming tradition believed to have destroyed the rainforest most. The presence of snakes in farmlands in Bertoua municipality might be partly due to a high snake population in the area, or the cropland harboring a high population of rodents, birds and amphibians preyed upon by snakes. Conflicts of this nature are expected to take a much heavy death toll on the snake population, either through direct killing or pesticides used on insect pest. The wildlife conservation stakeholders in Cameroon would need to educate local crop-farmers in Cameroon, especially in the Eastern Region on the management strategies of this kind of wildlife conflict.

Pages: 01-08  |  1288 Views  363 Downloads

How to cite this article:
Melle Ekane Maurice, Nkwatoh Athanasius Fuashi, Ngongpan Honourine Mengwi, Obassi-Anaman Okon, Tim Killian Lengha, Amos Fang Zeh and Nkongho Stanley Ayamba. The presence of snakes in croplands: A serious conflict threat to the local farmers in Bertoua municipality, Eastern region, Cameroon. Int. J. Fauna Biol. Stud. 2020;7(2):01-08.

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