High temperatures pushing wildlife closer to human settlements

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As these desperate creatures slither out of their habitat and adapt to the changing environment, their encounters with humans are becoming more frequent sometimes resulting in property damage, injury, and fatalities.

“Bring the rungu!” calls a scared elder John Gidudu in Busajabwankuba in Bugisu upon seeing a snake slither into the banana plantation. “It is the one that eats chicken and eggs before they hatch. Say your last prayers!”

The snake’s head is smashed and the instantly lifeless stringy piece is discarded into the bush. This is just one victim of the effects of the intensifying climate change. Unfortunately, lately, the entire Uganda is facing a concerning shift in its wildlife patterns. Rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells are drying up natural water sources and depleting vegetation, causing wild animals, reptiles and insects to venture into human settlements in search of food, water, and shelter.

A forest cobra poses for a photo shoot and shows off its decorous skin. (Photo by Titus Kakembo)

“Species comprising naughty monkeys and slithering snakes, that were once confined to the wilderness, are now encroaching on villages, homes and urban areas” Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manager conservation education & awareness Veronica Mirembe says. 

“This forced migration is not just a matter of survival for these animals; it’s also leading to an increase in human-wildlife conflicts.”

The prevailing delicate balance between wildlife and human communities is being strained and urgent action is needed to mitigate these tensions and find sustainable solutions for both.

Asked about the cause of the increased encounters, Mirembe counted and exhausted the fingers on her palms. She said climate change and human activity continue to alter Uganda's landscape, wildlife encounters are becoming more frequent and increasingly disruptive.

“There are key factors driving animals out of their natural habitats and into human settlements. First, it is water scarcity which is playing a significant role. Rivers, streams, and ponds that once provided hydration to wildlife are drying up, leaving animals with few options for water. In their desperation, they are straying into villages, schools and business areas, searching for the relief that is no longer available in the wild.” Adding that, unfortunately upon seeing a snake people just pick a stone or grab a rungu to smash the head.”

The other cause mentioned is habitat destruction caused by deforestation, swamp reclamation and land conversion for agriculture and settlement is forcing many species out of their habitat.

“With vast swathes of forest cover being cleared, leaving wildlife with nowhere to dwell, this is what is pushing them to seek shelter in unexpected and often populated spaces, resulting in more frequent human-wildlife encounters,” Mirembe says.

Down in Queen Elizabeth National Park, UWA tourism warden Steven Nyadru says rising temperatures are also exacerbating the situation there. It is making traditional habitats unbearable, driving animals to look for cooler environments.

“Communities in the neighbourhood of the park are encountering more snakes, which would normally stay hidden in shaded areas. They are now seen slithering in homes, in gardens, toilets and in storage units. Similarly, primates are seeking refuge in buildings and human-dominated areas, drawn by the promise of a cooler spot to escape the intense heat,” sheared Nyadru.

Kidepo Valley National Park chief warden Philip Akoromwe says food shortages due to prolonged droughts always cause animals to raid human food supplies.

“Monkeys are scavenging through markets and stealing food from homes, while some reptiles, struggling to find enough natural prey, are turning to domestic animals as a source of food. Buffaloes pounce on gardens and help themselves to anything in their path,” said Akoromwe.

Nationally, these interconnected factors are pushing wildlife further into human spaces, creating a growing tension that underscores the need for urgent solutions to manage these new, shared spaces

Asked what the populace should do when they encounter wildlife solicited different responses from different people.

“Contact Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on a Toll-Free line + 256800100960, 0414355000 - If an animal is posing a threat, call instead of attempting to handle the situation alone. Some professionals are trained to relocate wildlife safely without harm,” Mirembe says, adding: “The trick is to avoid sudden movements or aggressive behaviour. Instead, back away slowly and give the animal space to retreat”.

Generally, as climate change continues to alter ecosystems, human-wildlife interactions will likely become more frequent. However, through strategic planning, community involvement, and proper environmental management, these encounters can be minimised. Coexistence is possible if humans take proactive steps to mitigate conflict while safeguarding both people and wildlife.

There are sustainable conservation methods that UWA has applied in communities living in the proximity of the park where they keep either party away from the other.

Beekeeping in location is challenged by elephants that maraud gardens are kept away by beekeeping.  This method comes on the heels of metal banging, vuvuzelas, tunnels and electric fences.

On top of that, to reduce wildlife intrusion in Mburo National Park, water dams have been dug at a safe distance from settlements. This helps keep animals away from homes while addressing their survival needs.

In Busitema and Kafu, people have been advised to secure food and waste.

“Leaving food waste or garbage in the open attracts monkeys and birds. Properly sealed bins and controlled disposal methods can help minimise unwelcome visitors,” says John Sendaula an environmentalist. “Better still, fortify home units by ensuring doors and windows are secured, especially during peak heat hours. Use fine mesh screens on vents and openings to prevent snakes from slithering inside.”

Community education and awareness for residents, especially children, need to be educated about wildlife behaviour and the necessary precautions to take. Awareness reduces panic and enhances safe coexistence.