Managing Human-Crocodile Conflict in Riverine Communities of Anambra and Delta States

Human-crocodile conflict has intensified in riverine communities along the Niger River and its tributaries in southeastern Nigeria as both crocodile range contraction and increasing human use of waterways have elevated encounter frequency with sometimes fatal consequences. Despite the conservation significance of remaining crocodile populations and the livelihood risks to fishing communities, structured conflict management programmes are absent for the Anambra-Delta waterway zone. This study assesses the pattern, frequency, and context of human-crocodile conflict incidents in riverine communities of Anambra and Delta States and develops a community-appropriate conflict management framework. Incident data were compiled from structured interviews with 165 fishing household heads, community leaders, and health facility staff, covering a five-year recall period. Incident locations were GPS-recorded and mapped against habitat condition and crocodile observation data. Crocodile population size and composition at conflict hotspot sites were estimated from spotlight counts conducted at 15 sites. Risk factor analysis used logistic regression to identify predictors of attack incidence. Results document 47 confirmed attack incidents in the five-year period, of which 31 involved Nile crocodile and 16 involved Dwarf crocodile. High-risk activities included night fishing, laundry washing at river margins, and children bathing. Habitat degradation at most incident sites correlated with reduced fish availability, potentially intensifying crocodile proximity to human-use zones. Community tolerance was low but modifiable if government support for compensation and risk reduction was provided. The developed framework combines early warning signage, community ranger training, and a state-backed compensation scheme for verified attack victims. Keywords: human-crocodile conflict, Nile crocodile, riverine communities, Anambra State, conflict management