Coping Strategies for Human–Wildlife Conflicts: A Case Study of Adjacent Communities to Nigeria’s Cross River National Park

Abstract

This study examined human–wildlife conflicts between border communities to Cross River National Park in Nigeria. The research aimed to assess mitigation strategies and traditional measures used to reduce conflicts that are cost-effective and efficient while taking into consideration the important point that human–wildlife conflicts are location-specific, which is an important consideration for policymakers and managers. Four communities around the National Park were selected to investigate how people respond to these conflicts. Structured questionnaires were administered to households in the selected communities to investigate coping strategies. The results indicate that human–wildlife conflicts are distinct and differ from one location to another. Household size is an important factor to consider in developing mitigation strategies in a bid to promote sustainability.