A study of the economic impact of terrestrial animal damage on crop production in Kamburupitiya area: A case study of paddy, cinnamon, and coconut

Abstract

Crop damage by wildlife has become a serious issue at present. The aim of this study was to get an estimate about the crop damage caused by selected wild animals in Kamburupitiya area. A hundred random households were visited, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The most significant crop losses attributed to wild animals were observed in cinnamon (33.3%), followed by paddy (30.1%), vegetable crops (21.6%), and coconut (15%). The primary wildlife animals responsible for crop damage were peacocks (31.3%), followed by wild boar (27.6%) and monkeys (18.2%). In the study, 45 households reported crop damage losses below Rs. 10,000, 36 households experienced losses ranging from Rs. 10,000-50,000, while 12 households incurred losses exceeding Rs. 50,000 due to wild animal activities. Furthermore, 51 households incurred economic losses below Rs. 10,000, 18 households experienced losses ranging from Rs. 10,000-50,000, and 5 households reported losses exceeding Rs. 50,000 while attempting to control the wildlife population. Many farmers use different tactics to control wildlife such as making fences (33.8%), using fish nets (21.4%) and crackers (12.5%). Due to lack of documented secondary data, this study only provides an estimation about crop damage and further research should be implemented to mitigate crop damage.