Patterns,Causes and Perceptions of Human-Large Carnivore Conflict in the Chitwan National Park,Nepal

One of the major management problems in and around protected areas is the intensifying conflict between local people and wildlife,especially large carnivores.Livestock depredation and human fatalities caused by attacks of carnivores are found to be serious obstacles in conflict management.This study aims to explore the patterns,costs,causes and perceptions of human large carnivore conflict in the Nawalpur area of Chitwan National Park.The patterns of livestock loss and human casualties due to large carnivores(Panthera tigris and Panthera pardus)were analysed using the secondary data reported to Chitwan National Park from 2001 to 2019.To understand the people’s perception towards carnivores and wildlife conservation,150 victim respondents were asked,with one household selected from each grid.During 19-year study period,a total of 521 incidents caused by large carnivores were reported,which included 33 human casualties and 488 livestock depredations.Tiger was responsible for the maximum conflict incidents in Nawalpur.The total relief provided for human deaths and injuries was US$17524.41,whereas US$13702.18 was used to compensate for livestock depredation in the Nawalpur area by authorities of the Chitwan National Park.More than 64%of the respondents liked the presence of carnivores in their area and had a positive attitude toward the conservation of large carnivores,even though the carnivores were responsible for livestock depredation and human injury and death.People’s satisfaction with the relief scheme provided by the government depended on ethnicity,gender,age class,occupation,education,insurance,and livestock ownership,but they believed the scheme was not effective.Hence,an effective relief scheme and awareness about the process of relief funding should be conducted in conflict areas.Conducting awareness programs for local communities about large carnivores,their behavior,and preparing predator-proof corrals would be helpful in minimizing conflict in the study area.

Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Paschim Kusaha Village of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Sunsari District, Nepal

Human-wildlife conflict has been one of the most trouble-causing issues in many areas of Nepal including Eastern Nepal. This study assessed the human-wildlife conflict status in Paschim Kusaha Village of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve(KTWR), Sunsari District, Nepal. Data were collected from 47 respondents of different households through questionnaire surveys and formal and informal interviews. Results revealed that the most destructive wild animals were wild elephants, wild boar,and wild water buffalo and the most raided crops were paddy(63.83 %), maize(19.15%), and potato(17.02%). Most of the encounters between humans and wildlife were recorded at night(after dusk and before dawn)(78.72%). Local people were suffering from damage of physical properties, human harassment or nuisance, and depredation of cropland due to wild animals.A total of 70% of respondents had a positive attitude towards conservation despite disturbing human mortality records(22deaths in the last five years) from the reserve area and surrounding. Awareness of wildlife behavior together with conservation and easy access to compensation schemes were suggested to minimize conflicts in the area.