Human-monkey conflict in and around Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, nigeria

As human and wildlife habitats become more spatially close, the resource requirement overlaps and conflicts are inevitable. This study determined the incidence and nature of conflicts caused by the monkeys in Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC). One hundred and fifty structured questionnaires were administered to the staff of, and visitors to LCC, and community members around LCC. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Cross tabulation and Pearson Chi-square test were used to determine the effects of personal data of respondents on their assessment of human-monkey conflicts. All respondents indicated sighting monkeys on daily basis, in both wet and dry seasons. Most (91.5%) of the respondents showed that the monkeys were not hunted, 80.0% indicated the monkeys caused harm, 53.8% was stealing of goods, while 26.2% was destruction of properties. The harm caused by the monkeys was significant (P<0.05) among respondents based on age (n=129), status (n=127), and educational levels (n=130). Non hunting of monkeys was significant (P<0.05) among respondents based on status and educational levels. Non reduction in the population of monkeys was significant (P<0.05) based on status of respondents. Human-monkey conflict was established in LCC with neighbouring residents and visitors suffering the negative effects. The carrying capacity of the monkey population that could be sustained within LCC without causing harm to neighbouring communities and visitors should be determined. Keywords: Human-monkey conflict, Lekki Conservation Centre, mona monkey, Strict Nature Reserv