Human-Wildlife Conflict in Golden Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) of the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict, in particular crop-foraging, challenges conservationists worldwide. Endangered golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) are frequent crop-foragers around Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda. To evaluate the impact of crop-foraging behaviour on monkeys and farmers, we interviewed 45 farmers near VNP using a structured questionnaire and organised a workshop for local and regional actors to discuss mitigation measures. To investigate differences in monkey behaviour when foraging inside versus outside VNP, and to inform mitigation strategies, we collected ad libitum behavioural data from one habituated golden monkey group for 11 weeks. We tested the feasibility of a taste aversion technique to deter monkeys, by placing chilli-laced potatoes in harvested potato fields adjacent to the study group’s home range, but found that experimental aversion techniques were logistically challenging. Of 38 farmers, 95% experienced potato loss to monkeys and 36% of 44 farmers threw objects at/chased monkeys in the previous farming season. Farmers and workshop participants judged the most effective way to mitigate crop-foraging to be through improvement of existing crop-guarding. Behavioural observations indicated increased vigilance behaviour and decreased social behaviour when in farmland. Monkeys (N=9) that visited the experimental area avoided chilli-laced potatoes but continued to forage on nearby crops. In conclusion, our results indicate that crop-foraging can negatively impact farmers' livelihoods and attitudes and can increase vigilance behaviour of monkeys. Our multi-faceted approach enabled the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, highlighted the urgent need to improve existing management measures and explored alternatives to facilitate positive coexistence between monkeys and farmers.