Understanding the Dynamics of Human–Wildlife Conflicts in North-Western Pakistan: Implications for Sustainable Conservation

Abstract

The high economic costs of human–wildlife conflicts (HWC) hinder long-term conservation successes, especially in developing countries. We investigated HWC by interviewing 498 respondents from 42 villages in Nowshera district, Pakistan. According to respondents, six species—the common leopard (Panthera pardus), grey wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica), and wild boar (Sus scrofa)—were involved in livestock predation and crop-raiding. Livestock predation (N = 670) translated into a total annual economic loss of USD 48,490 across the 42 villages, with the highest economic loss of USD 57.1/household/year attributed to the golden jackal. Crop damage by wild boar and porcupine incurred a total annual economic loss of USD 18,000. Results further showed that livestock predation was highly affected by location, prey type, prey age, and herding practices, while cereals and vegetables were preferred crops for wild boar and Indian porcupine. The grey wolf was declared as the most dangerous carnivore, followed by the golden jackal and common leopard. Negative attitude about golden jackal and wild boar prevails among 90% of the respondents of the study area. We strongly assume that the abundance of apex predators can control the economic impacts of meso-carnivores and wild boar on the community’s livelihood. Keeping relatively smaller herds may reduce carnivore attacks and educating the populous and compensation can minimise negative perceptions of HWC. To reduce HWC in the study area, there should be an incessant and timely coordination between wildlife officials and the local community.

Evaluation of Inflammatory Cytokine IL-17 and Immunohistochemical Analysis of Cirrhotic Liver from HCV Patients

“…Our results further revealed that the second most influential factor was ch_2010da (chicken density). It has been reported that poultry is one of the primary sources of income for rural farmers and locals in the Nowshera district, and the red fox was held accountable for an average yearly economic loss of USD 360 (PKR 57,240)predating poultry (Khattak et al, 2021). The significant role of ch_2010da (chicken density) in red fox habitat selection in the current study agrees with Khattak et al (2021).…”

“…forests, shrubs, water bodies, herbaceous and sparse vegetation, etc. (Khattak et al, 2021). Our results showed that level 14 of glc2009 (rainfed croplands) had the highest significant contribution (Fig.…”

“…6). Another reason we believe is the cornering of the red fox into remote parts due to excessive killing by humans in the study area (Khattak et al, 2021). Thus, despite being highly adaptable to humans-dominated landscapes, seeking safe refuge seems to be the primary focus of the red fox.…”

“…The study area has a semiarid climate, with an average annual temperature of 24.4 o C and an average yearly rainfall of 532 mm. Scrub forests dominate the study area-providing refuge for 21 species of mammals and more than 40 bird species (Khattak et al, 2021). The government have established protected areas (PAs) (three wildlife parks and several game reserves) in the Nowshera district (Fig.…”

Impacts of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) on the Livelihood of Rural Communities in Pakistan and Understanding Public Attitudes towards Wild Boars

“…Any species causing economic losses is usually referred to as a pest animal. This undesirable feature of wildlife is the basic element of the hostile confrontation between humans and wildlife—known as human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) [ 2 ]. HWCs mostly occur in rural areas and are primarily manifested in agricultural areas [ 3 ].…”