Population status, habitat preferences and crop depredation by Nilgai (Boselaphus Tragocamelus Pallas, 1766) in Lumbini Development Area, Rupandehi District, Nepal

Abstract

Nilgai is regarded as the pest of the agriculture due to high amount of crop raiding. Crop depredation is a major form of human–wildlife conflict that affects livelihoods of farmers living close to forest areas. The present study was carried with objective to find population status, habitat preferences and crop depredation by Nilgai in Lumbini Development Area (LDA), Rupandehi district from July to August 2017 based on line transect, indirect evidence collection and questionnaire survey methods. Total 59 Nilgai were observed from 9 transects with mean herd size 2.18 and density 7.512 individuals/ km 2 . Adult Female to Adult male ratio was 9.33. Distribution pattern of Nilgai was uniform type among studied samples. Maximum (n=4) Fecal matters and Nilgai (n=28) were recorded in human encroachment area but least Fecal matter (n=2) and Nilgai (n=5) were found in riverine and water logged area. Fifty seven percentage of the respondent stated that the damage is increasing every year. They have stopped planting Potatoes, Rahar, Pea and Grams. Crop depredation was found high in Madhuwani and Tenuhawa. Only 39.48% of the respondents used the protective measures, which is also not effective. Most of the respondents use Bamboo fencing as protective measures. Whereas guarding overnight, producing sound, scare crow, chasing Nilgai, tape film rounding, cattle dung spray and rotten fish spray were the traditional method applied to protect crop depredation. Disease, competition among the Nilgai, forest fire, habitat destruction, poisoning and killing of Nilgai were threats stated by the respondents.

Key words: Effectiveness, Lowland Nepal, Nilgai, Protective measures