Wildlife encroachment and local coping strategies in Kampung Laut mangrove villages, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Azzam AK, Agustina AT, Maulana FA, De Wela SM, Lailasari M, Sugiyarto, Buot Jr. IE, Setyawan AD. 2025. Wildlife encroachment and local coping strategies in Kampung Laut mangrove villages, Indonesia. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 15: 61-70. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is an escalating concern in tropical coastal regions, where expanding settlements and agricultural activities increasingly overlap with wildlife habitats. This study examines the types, frequency, impacts, and community responses to wildlife disturbances in three mangrove-edge villages—Ujunggagak, Klaces, and Ujungalang—within Kampung Laut Sub-district, Cilacap, Indonesia. Using semi-structured interviews with 93 respondents, the research employed descriptive statistics and spatial comparisons to analyze patterns of conflict. Wild boars (Sus scrofa), rats (Rattus spp.), and monitor lizards (Varanus salvator) were identified as the most problematic species, frequently damaging crops and livestock and occasionally threatening human safety. Conflict intensity was highest in Klaces Village and peaked during the dry season. Local responses varied from passive tolerance and non-lethal deterrents to more aggressive measures, including poisoning and hunting. Response choices were influenced by gender, occupation, and prior experience. Although external support was limited, communities demonstrated adaptive strategies grounded in traditional knowledge. Nonetheless, the use of harmful methods such as indiscriminate poisoning remains a critical concern. These findings highlight the urgent need for community-based mitigation approaches that are ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate. Strengthening local awareness, early warning systems, and participatory wildlife monitoring is essential to promote coexistence and biodiversity conservation in mangrove-dependent communities.