Spatio-temporal changes of wildlife attack and effectiveness of mitigation measures in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

Abstract

Use of common resources for food and shelter increases human and wildlife interaction, and is more frequent near to protected area (PA). These interactions mostly become detrimental to human and on their properties. Increasing wildlife population in PAs aids more interaction and cause major loss including human casualty, livestock depredation, crop raiding and property loss. This study investigated the issues caused by wildlife in and around Shuklaphanta National Park by using a questionnaire survey to the people affected by wildlife between 2016 and 2022. In this survey, among 300 respondents’ almost equal number of male and female respondents were participated for the survey. Nineteen people were attacked by the wildlife and mostly by Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Ninety-two livestock were killed by Leopard (Panthera pardus), and among them majority of livestock were killed near the park boundary. In addition, crops were maximum raided by Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) and was followed by Wild Boar. Among the crops, the paddy was the highly raided crops in terms of monetary loss and followed by sugarcane, wheat, mustard, maize, and potato. The Asian Elephant was the only one reason for all forms of property loss, and property damage like house, shed and oil seed. Majority of these attacks were found in Bhimdatta Municipality Ward No. 15, and seems the most hotspot for conflict. More than two thirds of respondents appreciated the implemented mitigation measure as an effective measurement tools except 18.43% respondents. Even after addressing the mitigation measures, animal damage is occurring in Shuklaphanta National Park. Therefore, this study recommends use of more efficacious deterrent technique such as electric fencing, in addition government and NGOs should collaborate with locals to test and share ideas on innovative methods to deter wildlife using unpalatable crops.