Characterization and management of human-wildlife conflicts in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal

Abstract

With the intent to better management human wildlife conflict (HWC) and wildlife conservation in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal, we analyzed the patterns and drivers of HWC. Using data collected from literature, government records and questionnaire survey, we investigated temporal, seasonal and spatial distribution of human casualties caused by wildlife attacks. We also appraised the perception of local people towards wildlife conservation. We have recorded 77 cases (69 human injuries and 8 mortalities) during the period of nine year between 2011 and 2019. The number of wildlife attacks increased over this period. Wildlife attacks were more frequent in winter with 50% (42) of attacks occurred between September and December. Common leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) were the major species involved in these conflicts. Common leopard was the most feared species that causes highest number of human mortalities (87%, n = 67); the most severe type of HWC outcome. Forty-eight percent (n = 37) attacks were reported at human settlement areas followed by 27% attacks in agriculture land (n = 21) and 24% (n = 19) in forest. Generalized linear model analysis on spatial variables showed that the probability of human attacks increases with decreasing elevation (β = -0.0021, Z = -1.762, p = 0.078) and distance from the forest (β = -0.608, Z = -0.789, p = 0.429). We recommend to decrease habitat degradation / fragmentation, carry out habitat management program within forest to increase prey availability to decrease the wildlife invasion into human settlement area, and decrease dependency of people on forest resources by providing alternative livelihood opportunities. Simplified relief fund distribution mechanism at local level also helps alleviate the impact of HWC. The knowledge obtained by this study and management measures are important for better human-wildlife co-existence.

Prevalence of mortality in mammals: A retrospective study from wildlife rescue center of Nepal

“…However, differences in mortality rates between these six taxon are likely to do with differences in their foraging behavior and vulnerability to human-wildlife conflicts. For instance, a large number of Felid family admittances are likely to be associated with the escalating human-carnivore conflict in the region (Adhikari, Baral, et al, 2022;Baral et al, 2021;Treves & Karanth, 2003). The escalating urbanization, human encroachment, and wild prey scarcity due to decreasing habitat size may cause these species to wander around human settlements to hunt for livestock as easy alternatives of prey (Baral et al, 2021).…”

“…For instance, a large number of Felid family admittances are likely to be associated with the escalating human-carnivore conflict in the region (Adhikari, Baral, et al, 2022;Baral et al, 2021;Treves & Karanth, 2003). The escalating urbanization, human encroachment, and wild prey scarcity due to decreasing habitat size may cause these species to wander around human settlements to hunt for livestock as easy alternatives of prey (Baral et al, 2021). And in this process, humans retaliate and injure many carnivore species severely due to the perceived threats to humans, livestock, and poultry (Acharya et al, 2016;Baral et al, 2021;Li et al, 2013).…”

Spatial segregation between wild ungulates and livestock outside protected areas in the lowlands of Nepal

“…Because our study site is connected to the Parsa National Park, it serves as an important biological corridor and potential habitat for many large predators. The conservation of wild ungulates is important to maintain natural predator-prey relationships, as well as to minimize human-wildlife conflict [ 38 , 43 , 44 ].…”

“…Human population is also on the rise, leading to concomitant increases in livestock. This has raised conservation concerns as livestock can spatially displace wild ungulates, forcing wildlife to forage in low-quality food areas via exploitative and interference competition, and leading to reduced fitness [ 38 , 39 ]. Habitat loss can also force wild ungulatesto seek for foraging opportunities in agricultural areas, increasing crop damage and leading to conflict with farmers [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Understanding the relationship between ungulates and the environment can contribute to the sustainable management of these species, items that are critical for the conservation of Nepal’s megafauna [ 38 , 42 , 43 ]. To date, comparatively little attention has been paid to how anthropogenic pressure, including farmers and their livestock, drive the distribution and habitat selection of ungulates outside Nepalese protected areas.…”