Abstract: This study examines human-hippopotamus conflict in Kiri Dam Shelleng Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, focusing on its socio-economic impacts and community perceptions. Data were collected from 300 respondents in four (4) communities, including farmers, fishermen, herders, local leaders, and conservation officers, using structured questionnaires and field observations along the Dam. The findings indicate that 90.3 % of respondents observe hippopotamuses, primarily in water (47.2 %), farms (25.0 %), and fishing sites (18.4 %). Economic losses were reported by 70.3 % of respondents, with crop destruction (55.4 %) being the most significant impact, followed by fishing gear damage (22.7 %) and livestock loss (15.6 %). Direct conflicts affected 48.7 % of households, resulting in property damage (54.8 %), fear/displacement (28.8 %), and injuries (12.3 %). Key drivers of hippopotamus presence include food search (54.7%), habitat destruction (66.3%), and climate change (33.9 %), exacerbated by human activities such as farming near the dam (78.2 %) and fishing (71.7 %). Community perceptions are predominantly negative, with 53.7 % viewing hippopotamuses as dangerous pests and 21.9 % supporting community based conservation. Suggested mitigation measures include fencing (47.7 %) and awareness campaigns (45.5 %). The study recommends implementing non-lethal deterrents, community-based conservation with compensation schemes, and habitat restoration to promote sustainable coexistence and biodiversity conservation.
key words: Hippopotamus, Conflict, Habitat, Kiri damjaerem NEW Bode1 A. S.
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