Documenting Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Wildlife incidents in Kora capture human-wildlife conflicts and wildlife emergencies. Livestock predation, crop damage, property impacts, dangerous encounters, wildlife welfare concerns, and emergency responses. Systematic incident documentation transforms reactive crisis management into organised workflows. This creates comprehensive records supporting insurance claims, compensation requests, pattern analysis, mitigation planning, and authority reporting.

This chapter explains how wildlife incident recording works. What information is captured. How systematic documentation supports conflict resolution and prevention.

Recording Wildlife Incidents

Wildlife incident recording emphasises rapid documentation during or immediately after events:

Essential Information:

• Incident Type: What occurred (predation, crop damage, human encounter, property damage, wildlife injury, illegal activity)
• Date and Time: When incident occurred
• Location: GPS coordinates or property location
• Severity Level: Low, Moderate, High, Critical, Extreme
• Reported By: Who observed or reported the incident

Wildlife Details:

• Species Involved: Which animal(s) caused or were involved in incident
• Animal Count: How many individuals (single animal, small group, large group)
• Animal Condition: If wildlife injured, sick, or distressed
• Animal Behaviour: Aggressive, defensive, stressed, unusual behaviour

Impact Assessment:

• Agricultural Impact: Livestock affected, killed, injured. Crop damage area and value.
• Economic Impact: Financial losses, damage costs
• Human Safety Impact: People affected, injuries, fatalities, threat level
• Property Damage: Infrastructure, equipment, facilities damaged
• Wildlife Welfare Impact: Animals injured, killed, distressed

Response and Management:

• Immediate Action Taken: Emergency response, mitigation measures
• Assigned To: Who is responsible for follow-up
• Requires Immediate Action: Urgent response flag
• Authority Notification: Wildlife agencies, police, regulatory bodies contacted

Example wildlife incident:

Incident Type: Livestock Predation
Date/Time: 2025-03-18 22:30 (night)
Location: South Paddock, GPS: -33.7284° S, 150.3469° E
Severity: High
Reported By: John (Farm Manager)

Wildlife Involved:
  Species: Dingo
  Estimated Count: 2-3 individuals
  Behaviour: Predatory hunting behaviour
  Evidence: Tracks, kill site examination

Agricultural Impact:
  Livestock Species: Sheep
  Livestock Killed: 3 adult ewes
  Livestock Injured: 1 lamb (minor injuries)
  Economic Impact: $1,200 (livestock value) + $150 (veterinary treatment)

Immediate Actions:
  - Moved remaining flock to secure paddock
  - Reinforced fencing on southern boundary
  - Increased night patrols
  - Veterinary treatment for injured lamb
  - Collected photographic evidence

Authority Notification:
  Local Wildlife Management: Notified 2025-03-19
  Insurance Provider: Claim submitted 2025-03-19

Status: Under Investigation
Assigned To: Farm Manager + Wildlife Control Officer
Requires Follow-Up: Yes

Recording takes 3-5 minutes for basic incident. Takes 10-15 minutes for detailed documentation with photos and comprehensive impact assessment.

Incident Types

Wildlife incidents fall into several broad categories:

Livestock and Agricultural Conflicts:

• Livestock Predation: Wild predators killing or injuring farm animals (dingoes attacking sheep, foxes killing chickens, eagles taking lambs)
• Livestock Harassment: Wild animals stressing livestock without direct predation (dogs chasing cattle, birds disturbing nesting poultry)
• Crop Damage: Wildlife consuming or destroying crops (parrots feeding on grain, kangaroos grazing pastures, wild pigs destroying fields)
• Agricultural Infrastructure Damage: Animals damaging fences, water systems, storage facilities

Property and Infrastructure Impacts:

• Property Damage: Wildlife damaging buildings, equipment, vehicles (possums in roofs, termites in structures, birds nesting in machinery)
• Vehicle Collisions: Animals struck by vehicles (kangaroo collisions, livestock on roads)
• Infrastructure Damage: Damage to water systems, power lines, communication equipment

Human Safety Concerns:

• Human Encounters: Potentially dangerous wildlife near human activity (venomous snakes near schools, crocodiles near swimming areas, aggressive animals approaching people)
• Human Attacks: Wildlife attacking or threatening people
• Human Injuries: People injured during wildlife encounters
• Public Safety Threats: Wildlife creating safety risks (aggressive magpies during nesting, bees swarming near playgrounds)

Wildlife Welfare Incidents:

• Injured Wildlife: Wild animals injured (vehicle strikes, entanglement, disease, fighting)
• Sick Wildlife: Disease observations, unusual mortality
• Distressed Wildlife: Trapped animals, orphaned young, displaced individuals
• Wildlife Death: Dead wildlife discovery requiring investigation or documentation

Illegal Activities:

• Illegal Hunting: Poaching, unauthorised wildlife killing
• Wildlife Trafficking: Illegal capture, trade, or possession
• Habitat Destruction: Illegal clearing, disturbance, or damage to critical habitats
• Regulatory Violations: Violations of wildlife protection laws

Example incident type scenarios:

Livestock Predation Incident:
  Type: Livestock Predation
  Wildlife: Fox
  Impact: 8 chickens killed overnight
  Response: Secured coop, installed motion-sensor lighting
  Prevention: Reinforced fencing, added guardian dog

Human Encounter Incident:
  Type: Human Safety Threat
  Wildlife: Eastern Brown Snake (venomous)
  Impact: Snake discovered on school playground
  Response: Area evacuated, licensed snake catcher called, snake relocated 5km
  Prevention: Habitat modification around school perimeter recommended

Wildlife Welfare Incident:
  Type: Injured Wildlife
  Wildlife: Koala
  Impact: Vehicle strike, suspected fractures
  Response: Wildlife rescue contacted, koala transported to veterinary hospital
  Outcome: Treatment provided, rehabilitation planned, eventual release

Crop Damage Incident:
  Type: Crop Damage
  Wildlife: Galah flock (~200 birds)
  Impact: Significant grain loss in recently planted wheat field (~5 hectares affected)
  Economic Impact: Estimated $2,500 crop loss
  Response: Bird netting installed, scare devices deployed
  Prevention: Early planting schedule adjustment considered for next season

Incident types inform response priorities. Human safety threats require immediate action. Livestock predation triggers security measures. Wildlife welfare incidents activate rescue protocols.

Impact Assessment

Comprehensive impact documentation supports insurance claims, compensation requests, and mitigation planning:

Agricultural Impact:

• Livestock Affected: Number of animals impacted (killed, injured, stressed, displaced)
• Livestock Economic Value: Direct financial loss from livestock mortality or injury
• Crop Damage Area: Hectares or acres affected
• Crop Economic Value: Estimated financial loss from damaged or destroyed crops
• Production Impact: Lost productivity, reduced yields, disrupted operations

Economic Impact:

• Direct Costs: Immediate financial losses (livestock value, crop value, property repairs)
• Indirect Costs: Veterinary treatment, emergency response costs, increased security measures
• Long-Term Costs: Ongoing prevention measures, insurance premium increases
• Opportunity Costs: Lost productivity, disrupted operations, delayed projects

Human Safety Impact:

• People Affected: Number of individuals impacted by incident
• Injuries: Type and severity of human injuries
• Threat Level: Risk assessment (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme)
• Public Safety Concerns: Broader community risk implications
• Psychological Impact: Stress, fear, trauma from encounters

Wildlife Welfare Impact:

• Animals Injured or Killed: Wildlife casualties from incident
• Population Impact: Effects on local wildlife populations
• Habitat Disruption: Displacement, stress, behavioural changes
• Conservation Significance: Impact on endangered or protected species

Property and Infrastructure Impact:

• Damage Description: What was damaged and extent
• Repair Costs: Financial impact of property damage
• Operational Disruption: Service interruptions, functionality loss
• Replacement Requirements: Equipment or infrastructure needing replacement

Example comprehensive impact assessment:

Incident: Dingo Predation Event (Multiple Nights)

Agricultural Impact:
  Livestock Killed: 12 sheep (8 adult ewes, 4 lambs)
  Livestock Injured: 2 sheep (veterinary treatment required)
  Direct Livestock Value: $3,600
  Veterinary Treatment: $280
  Total Agricultural Loss: $3,880

Economic Impact:
  Direct Losses: $3,880 (livestock + treatment)
  Security Improvements: $1,200 (fencing reinforcement, lighting installation)
  Increased Labour: $400 (night patrols for 2 weeks)
  Total Economic Impact: $5,480

Human Safety Impact:
  People Affected: 0 (no direct human encounters)
  Threat Level: Moderate (dingoes increasingly bold, approaching buildings)
  Safety Measures: Advised children to avoid paddocks during evening hours

Wildlife Welfare Impact:
  Predator Population: No action taken against dingoes (protected species)
  Conservation Considerations: Dingo population healthy, predation indicates natural behaviour

Prevention Measures Implemented:
  - Electric fencing on southern boundary ($800)
  - Motion-sensor security lighting ($400)
  - Guardian dog deployed with flock
  - Night patrols (temporary, 2 weeks)

Insurance Claim Submitted: $5,480 total documented losses and mitigation costs
Claim Status: Approved, $4,200 compensation received (livestock loss + 50% mitigation costs)

Lessons Learned:
  - Southern boundary vulnerability due to bushland proximity
  - Night patrols effective deterrent but labour-intensive
  - Electric fencing + guardian dog combination proving effective
  - Zero incidents in 60 days following prevention measures implementation

Detailed impact assessment transforms vague "we lost some sheep" into documented evidence. This supports insurance claims, compensation requests, and data-driven mitigation planning.

Emergency Response Documentation

Critical incidents require rapid response and systematic documentation:

Emergency Incident Flags:

• Requires Immediate Action: System flags urgent incidents requiring rapid response
• Threat Level Assessment: Extreme, High, Moderate, Low
• Authority Notification Required: Automatic flagging when regulatory reporting mandatory
• Human Safety Priority: Human safety threats automatically escalated

Emergency Response Workflow:

1. Rapid Incident Creation: Quick capture of essential information during emergency
2. Automatic Assignment: System can auto-assign to designated emergency response personnel
3. Authority Notification Tracking: Document which authorities contacted and when
4. Response Actions Recording: Log all actions taken during emergency response
5. Follow-Up Scheduling: Automatic task creation for required follow-up actions

Example emergency response scenarios:

Scenario 1: Venomous Snake Near School

Incident Created: 2025-03-20 09:15 AM
Type: Human Safety Threat
Species: Eastern Brown Snake (highly venomous)
Location: Primary school playground
Threat Level: Extreme
Requires Immediate Action: Yes

Emergency Response Timeline:
09:15 - Incident reported by teacher
09:16 - Playground evacuated, children moved indoors
09:17 - Licensed snake catcher contacted (emergency service)
09:20 - Local wildlife authority notified
09:35 - Snake catcher arrives on site
09:42 - Snake safely captured
09:50 - Snake relocated 5km to suitable bushland habitat
10:00 - Playground inspected and cleared
10:15 - Normal operations resumed

Post-Incident Actions:
  - Habitat modification around school perimeter recommended
  - Staff snake awareness training scheduled
  - Emergency response protocol updated
  - Prevention measures implemented (vegetation management, rock pile removal)

Authority Reports:
  - Wildlife Management Agency: Notification submitted (required for venomous species)
  - School Safety Inspection: Scheduled for habitat assessment

Status: Resolved
Prevention Measures: Implemented
Lessons Learned: Rapid response protocol effective, vegetation management needed

Scenario 2: Aggressive Wild Boar Near Hiking Trail

Incident Created: 2025-03-22 02:30 PM
Type: Human Safety Threat
Species: Wild Pig (feral)
Location: Popular hiking trail, GPS coordinates recorded
Threat Level: High
Requires Immediate Action: Yes

Emergency Response Timeline:
14:30 - Incident reported by hikers (aggressive boar charged group)
14:35 - Trail closed, warning signs posted
14:40 - Wildlife control officer contacted
14:45 - Local park rangers notified
15:00 - Area patrol conducted, boar located and assessed
15:30 - Determination: Sow with piglets (defensive behaviour, not unprovoked aggression)
16:00 - Trail detour established avoiding sensitive area
16:30 - Public advisory issued (trail closure notice, social media, website)

Resolution:
  - Trail remains closed for 14 days (allowing piglets to mature, family group to relocate)
  - Alternative trail route publicised
  - Daily monitoring patrols conducted
  - Trail reopened after 16 days (boar family group moved on)

Prevention:
  - Wildlife corridor identified, trail route evaluation for long-term modification
  - Signage improved warning of wildlife activity areas
  - Public education campaign on wildlife encounter safety

Status: Resolved

Emergency response documentation creates accountability. Supports investigation. Informs prevention strategies.

Investigation and Resolution Workflow

Systematic incident investigation identifies causes and supports effective resolution:

Investigation Process:

• Initial Report: Basic incident details captured rapidly
• Detailed Investigation: Follow-up documentation with comprehensive evidence collection
• Cause Analysis: Determine what happened and why
• Pattern Recognition: Identify if incident is isolated or part of pattern
• Expert Consultation: Involve wildlife specialists, veterinarians, authorities as needed

Resolution Tracking:

• Status Updates: Reported → Under Investigation → Resolution In Progress → Resolved
• Action Items: Track specific tasks required for resolution
• Responsible Parties: Assign individuals or teams to resolution actions
• Timeline Tracking: Expected resolution timeframes and actual completion dates
• Satisfactory Resolution Flag: Mark whether resolution was successful

Example investigation workflow:

Incident: Repeated Crop Damage by Kangaroos

Initial Report (Day 1):
  Type: Crop Damage
  Species: Eastern Grey Kangaroo
  Impact: Damaged pasture, approximately 2 hectares
  Status: Reported

Investigation Phase (Days 2-7):
  Field Assessment:
    - Damage pattern mapped (GPS coordinates of affected areas)
    - Kangaroo population estimated (40-50 individuals observed)
    - Entry points identified (3 fence sections with gaps)
    - Timing established (primarily dawn/dusk feeding)

  Pattern Analysis:
    - Historical data reviewed: 4 similar incidents last 12 months
    - Seasonal correlation: Incidents cluster in dry months (reduced bushland feed availability)
    - Spatial pattern: All incidents on paddocks adjacent to bushland corridor

  Expert Consultation:
    - Wildlife ecologist consulted on kangaroo population dynamics
    - Fencing specialist assessed infrastructure vulnerabilities
    - Agricultural adviser evaluated crop management options

Resolution Planning (Days 8-10):
  Multi-Strategy Approach:
    1. Infrastructure: Repair fence gaps, install kangaroo-proof fencing on bushland boundaries ($2,500)
    2. Deterrents: Motion-sensor lights and sound deterrents at entry points ($800)
    3. Habitat Management: Maintain bushland buffer zones with native grasses (reduces pressure on crops)
    4. Monitoring: Camera traps at entry points to assess effectiveness

  Implementation Timeline:
    - Immediate: Temporary fencing repairs (Day 11)
    - Short-term: Deterrent installation (Days 12-14)
    - Medium-term: Permanent fencing upgrade (Days 15-21)
    - Ongoing: Habitat management programme initiated

Resolution Phase (Days 11-60):
  Week 1-2: Temporary measures implemented, immediate reduction in crop damage observed
  Week 3-4: Permanent fencing completed, deterrents installed
  Week 5-8: Monitoring shows 95% reduction in crop damage incidents

  Outcome Assessment (Day 60):
    Status: Resolved
    Satisfactory Resolution: Yes
    Remaining Incidents: 1 minor incident (single kangaroo, jumped deterrent fence)
    Effectiveness: 95% damage reduction, cost-benefit analysis positive

Lessons Learned:
  - Infrastructure maintenance critical (small gaps become major entry points)
  - Multi-strategy approach more effective than single solution
  - Seasonal patterns inform timing of prevention measures
  - Camera trap monitoring provides objective effectiveness assessment
  - Habitat buffer zones reduce human-wildlife conflict sustainably

Recommendations for Future:
  - Annual fence inspections before dry season
  - Habitat management programme expansion
  - Regional coordination with neighbouring properties (kangaroo populations mobile)
  - Cost-sharing with wildlife management agency for conservation-friendly mitigation

Investigation and resolution workflow transforms incidents from one-time problems into learning opportunities. This supports long-term conflict reduction.

Evidence Collection

Supporting evidence strengthens incident documentation for insurance claims, legal purposes, and authority reporting:

Photographic Evidence:

• Damage Documentation: Photos of crop damage, livestock injuries, property damage showing extent and severity
• Wildlife Evidence: Photos of animals involved (if safe to photograph), tracks, scat, feeding signs
• Location Context: Photos showing incident location, surrounding area, relevant features
• Temporal Sequence: Before/during/after photos documenting incident progression and resolution

Physical Evidence:

• Tracks and Signs: Footprints, trails, feeding evidence identifying species
• Predation Evidence: Kill site examination, injury patterns, predator signatures
• Damage Samples: Physical samples of damaged crops, fencing, infrastructure
• Biological Samples: Hair, scat, feathers (for species identification if uncertain)

Witness Statements:

• Observer Accounts: Written descriptions from people who witnessed incident
• Expert Assessments: Professional evaluations (veterinarians, wildlife officers, agricultural assessors)
• Timeline Documentation: Detailed sequence of events from multiple perspectives

Third-Party Documentation:

• Veterinary Reports: Professional assessment of livestock injuries or wildlife condition
• Wildlife Officer Reports: Official authority evaluations and recommendations
• Insurance Assessor Reports: Professional damage evaluations
• Police Reports: For incidents involving illegal activities or human safety

Example evidence collection:

Incident: Fox Predation on Poultry

Photographic Evidence:
  - 12 photos of predation scene showing 8 deceased chickens
  - Close-up photos of bite marks and injury patterns (confirming fox predation)
  - Photos of fence perimeter showing entry point (dig hole under fence)
  - Photos of fox tracks near entry point and coop
  - Photos of emergency repairs implemented

Physical Evidence:
  - Fox scat collected near entry point (species confirmation)
  - Feather samples showing predation pattern
  - Soil samples from dig site showing excavation depth

Witness Statement:
  "I heard unusual noise from chicken coop around 3:00 AM on March 15th. When I
  investigated at dawn, found 8 chickens deceased with characteristic fox predation
  injuries (neck bites, minimal consumption). Discovered hole dug under fence on
  western side of coop approximately 30cm diameter. Fox tracks visible in soft soil
  leading from bushland toward coop and returning same direction. Immediately secured
  remaining chickens in backup enclosure and contacted wildlife control."
  - Sarah Johnson, Property Owner

Expert Assessment:
  Wildlife Control Officer Report:
  "Assessment conducted March 15th, 10:00 AM. Predation pattern consistent with
  single fox (surplus killing behaviour typical when fox gains access to enclosed
  poultry). Entry point excavation indicates determined effort, suggesting established
  hunting territory. Recommend buried fencing mesh extending 50cm below ground level
  around entire perimeter to prevent future excavation entry. Motion-sensor lighting
  may provide additional deterrent. Fox population healthy in area, culling not
  recommended. Prevention focus advised."

Insurance Documentation:
  - 8 heritage breed chickens @ $45 each = $360
  - Emergency fencing repair materials = $120
  - Prevention measures (buried mesh fencing) = $680
  - Total claim = $1,160
  - Supporting evidence: Photos, expert report, receipts
  - Claim approved: $1,040 (livestock + materials, prevention measures partial coverage)

Evidence Use:
  - Insurance claim: Approved based on comprehensive photographic and expert evidence
  - Wildlife management: Species confirmation enabled appropriate prevention advice
  - Prevention planning: Entry point documentation informed permanent solution design
  - Pattern analysis: Contributed to regional fox activity monitoring

Comprehensive evidence collection transforms incidents from anecdotal reports into professionally documented events. This supports claims, investigations, and effective resolution.

Authority Notification Tracking

Many wildlife incidents require notification to regulatory authorities, government agencies, or emergency services:

Authority Types:

• Wildlife Management Agencies: Government departments managing wildlife populations and conflicts
• Environmental Authorities: Agencies overseeing endangered species, habitat protection, conservation
• Agricultural Departments: Livestock disease surveillance, biosecurity, farm safety
• Police and Emergency Services: Dangerous wildlife, illegal activities, human safety threats
• Local Government: Council rangers, animal control, public safety
• Insurance Providers: Claim notification and damage assessment coordination

Notification Tracking:

• Authority Name: Which organisation or agency was contacted
• Contact Person: Specific individual or department
• Notification Date and Time: When authority was notified
• Notification Method: Phone, email, online reporting portal, in-person
• Response Received: What authority said or did in response
• Follow-Up Required: Whether authority requires additional information or action

Mandatory Reporting Scenarios (varies by jurisdiction):

• Endangered species incidents (sightings, injuries, deaths)
• Certain disease observations (zoonotic diseases, wildlife disease outbreaks)
• Illegal wildlife activities (poaching, trafficking)
• Human safety threats (dangerous animal encounters)
• Livestock predation by protected species
• Crop damage exceeding certain thresholds (for compensation programmes)

Example authority notification tracking:

Incident: Endangered Species Observation with Injury

Species: Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Critically Endangered)
Incident: Injured individual observed, suspected vehicle strike
Location: Conservation reserve boundary, near road
Date: 2025-03-25

Authority Notifications:

1. Department of Environment and Science - Endangered Species Unit
   Contact: Dr. Emily Roberts (Species Recovery Coordinator)
   Notified: 2025-03-25 11:30 AM (within 2 hours of observation)
   Method: Phone call + email with photos
   Response: "Thank you for immediate notification. This is one of only ~315 known
             individuals globally. Wildlife rescue team dispatched immediately.
             Please secure area and prevent disturbance until team arrives."
   Arrival: Wildlife rescue team on-site 13:00 (1.5 hours)
   Outcome: Wombat transported to specialised veterinary facility
   Follow-Up Required: Yes - recovery updates, release coordination

2. Local Wildlife Rescue Organisation
   Contact: Wildlife Rescue Hotline
   Notified: 2025-03-25 11:35 AM
   Method: Emergency hotline call
   Response: Immediately dispatched rescue team (working with government agency)
   Veterinary Assessment: Fractured leg, treatable with surgery and rehabilitation
   Status: Surgery successful, 3-month rehabilitation expected

3. Road Safety Authority
   Contact: Local Council Roads Department
   Notified: 2025-03-25 14:00 (after initial emergency response)
   Method: Email with incident report and location map
   Response: "Thank you for report. This is third wombat incident on this road section
             in 12 months. We will investigate wildlife crossing solutions including
             warning signage, speed reduction, and potential wildlife underpass."
   Follow-Up: Road safety assessment scheduled for 2025-04-10

4. Conservation Research Programme
   Contact: Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat Research Team
   Notified: 2025-03-26 (day after incident)
   Method: Email with detailed observation notes and GPS coordinates
   Response: "Extremely valuable data. This individual was unknown to monitoring
             programme, suggesting population range expansion. GPS coordinates added
             to distribution database. Thank you for contributing to conservation science."

Documentation Value:
  - Immediate emergency response coordinated through systematic notifications
  - Multiple agencies informed efficiently without duplication
  - Conservation significance recognised and acted upon
  - Infrastructure improvements triggered by documented pattern
  - Scientific value realised through research programme notification
  - Complete audit trail for endangered species compliance

Authority notification tracking ensures regulatory compliance. Coordinates emergency response. Creates accountability for incident management.

Follow-Up and Prevention Measures

Incident resolution includes prevention measures reducing future occurrences:

Prevention Categories:

• Infrastructure Improvements: Fencing upgrades, barrier installation, facility modifications
• Habitat Management: Vegetation management, buffer zones, wildlife corridors
• Deterrent Systems: Lights, sounds, visual deterrents, guard animals
• Operational Changes: Timing adjustments, location modifications, practice changes
• Monitoring Programmes: Camera traps, regular patrols, population monitoring
• Community Coordination: Neighbour collaboration, regional programmes, information sharing

Follow-Up Tracking:

• Scheduled Follow-Up Dates: When to review incident and prevention effectiveness
• Responsible Parties: Who is implementing prevention measures
• Cost Tracking: Prevention measure investments
• Effectiveness Assessment: Whether measures reduced or eliminated incidents
• Lessons Learned: What worked, what did not, recommendations for similar incidents

Example prevention implementation:

Original Incident: Repeated Livestock Predation by Dingoes

Prevention Measures Implemented:

1. Physical Infrastructure ($2,800)
   - Electric fencing on southern boundary (bushland interface)
   - Reinforced existing fence weak points
   - Livestock shelter improvements (secure night enclosures)
   Timeline: Completed over 3 weeks
   Effectiveness: 90% reduction in fence breaches

2. Guardian Animals ($1,500)
   - Maremma guardian dog introduced to flock
   - Dog trained with sheep, bonded with flock
   - Shelter and care infrastructure established
   Timeline: Dog introduction week 4, full effectiveness week 8
   Effectiveness: 100% elimination of predation events in guarded paddocks

3. Habitat Management ($500)
   - Vegetation buffer zone maintained (reduces dingo approach concealment)
   - Natural prey habitat enhancement (reduces pressure on livestock)
   - Water source creation (reduces wildlife congregation near livestock areas)
   Timeline: Ongoing programme initiated month 2
   Effectiveness: Reduced dingo activity near livestock areas by estimated 60%

4. Monitoring and Detection ($600)
   - Camera traps installed at former entry points
   - Motion-sensor lighting at vulnerable areas
   - Regular patrol schedule established
   Timeline: Installed weeks 2-3, ongoing monitoring
   Effectiveness: Early detection enables rapid response before predation events

5. Regional Coordination ($0)
   - Information sharing with 4 neighbouring properties
   - Coordinated prevention measures across landscape
   - Shared monitoring data and dingo activity patterns
   Timeline: Monthly coordination meetings established
   Effectiveness: Regional approach more effective than individual efforts

Total Prevention Investment: $5,400
Total Documented Incidents Pre-Prevention (12 months): 8 events, $12,000 loss
Total Documented Incidents Post-Prevention (12 months): 0 events, $0 loss

Cost-Benefit Analysis:
  - Prevention measures recovered costs in under 6 months
  - Eliminated stress and labour associated with incident response
  - Improved overall livestock welfare and productivity
  - Guardian dog provides ongoing protection beyond initial investment
  - Regional coordination benefits extend beyond individual property

Lessons Learned:
  - Multi-faceted approach more effective than single solution
  - Guardian animals highly effective but require proper introduction and management
  - Infrastructure alone insufficient without monitoring and maintenance
  - Regional coordination amplifies individual prevention efforts
  - Habitat management provides long-term sustainable conflict reduction

Recommendations for Others:
  - Invest in guardian animals early (most cost-effective long-term solution)
  - Do not rely on fencing alone (determined predators will find weaknesses)
  - Camera trap monitoring provides objective effectiveness assessment
  - Engage neighbours in collaborative approaches
  - Budget for prevention is cheaper than ongoing losses

Prevention measures transform reactive incident response into proactive conflict management. This reduces future occurrences and associated costs.

Integration with Other Features

Wildlife incidents connect across Kora creating unified operational workflows:

Wildlife Sightings Integration (Chapter 15.1): Incidents often include associated sightings. Link incident to sighting record capturing both conflict documentation (incident) and species observation data (sighting). This creates comprehensive wildlife interaction database.

Animal Management Integration (Chapter 8): Livestock predation and agricultural incidents link to affected animals. Individual animal health records document injuries, treatments, and outcomes. Mob-level impacts tracked for population management.

Location Integration (Chapter 9): GPS coordinates and location-based recording tie incidents to specific properties, paddocks, and geographic areas. Map-based visualisation shows incident hotspots and spatial patterns informing targeted prevention.

Traceability Integration (Chapter 12): Livestock predation events create traceability records. Animal deaths from wildlife incidents documented in permanent audit trail. Maintains compliance even when losses are from external factors.

Biosecurity Integration (Chapter 11): Wildlife incidents involving disease observations trigger biosecurity protocols. Wild animal contact with livestock flagged for disease monitoring. Cross-species exposure tracking for One Health surveillance.

Task Integration (Chapter 13): Wildlife incidents generate follow-up tasks automatically. Emergency response incidents create urgent tasks. Investigation and resolution workflow managed through task system.

Inventory Integration (Chapter 14): Wildlife rescue and treatment link to medical inventory. Damage repair tracked with materials inventory. Prevention measure implementation documented with equipment and supply usage.

Financial Tracking: Economic impact documentation supports budgeting, insurance claims, compensation requests. Prevention measure costs tracked for cost-benefit analysis and return on investment assessment.