Park-People Conflict in Chitwan National Park: A Case Study Of Dibyapuri Vdc

Abstract

Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km) is the first national park of Nepal and it becomethe milestone in the history and evolution of national park of Nepal. It is representingthe pristine ecosystem in sub-tropical inner tarai low land of south central part ofNepal. The study of park people conflict was conducted focusing in Dibyapuri VDC ofNawalparasidistrict, located adjacent to the north-western side ofpark. The surveywas done in 72 households by questionnaire method to assess crop and livestockdepredation by wildlife for the year 2006/07. The main crop raiding animals areRhino, Wild Boar and Deer. These animals cause of losses 36,734.03 kg ofagricultural crops in the 72 households of study area. Paddy was the most affectedcrop by wild animals causing 24,552.63 Kg (66.83%) of total crop loss followed bypotato and vegetables 4,235 kg (11.53%), maize 4,136.21 kg (11.26%), lentil 2,150 kg(5.85%), mustard 1,009.08 kg (2.75%), wheat 500kg (1.36%) and linseed151.11 kg(0.41%).Monetarily, the total loss of 72 surveyed householdsof theyear 2006/07 wasRs. 6,60,557.16.Among this, the loss of paddy wasworthRs.3,92,842.08 (59.47%)followed by potato and vegetables Rs. 84,700.00 (12.82%), lentils Rs. 81,700.00(12.37%), maize Rs. 49,634.52 (7.51%), mustard Rs. 38,345.04 (5.81%), wheat Rs.8,500.00 (1.29%) and linseedRs. 4,835.52 (0.73%).Thus theestimated loss was Rs.9,174.41per household on an average. The total economic loss of livestock wasestimatedRs.51,550.00 in BZ ofDibyapuriVDC and average loss was Rs. 715.97 per household. The main livestock raidinganimals wereTiger,Leopard, Jackel,Wild cat etc. Rhinocerosand Tigerhave killedtwoperson andseveralpeople have injured so far. Park animals,visit cropland due to inadequate amountof food in the protected area,test of agricultural crops, lack of effective physical barrier, introduction to exoticspecies and succession inside the park. Park is affected by the visit of people,allowing livestock to graze,herband thatch grass collection, timber and firewoodcollection, fishing and fish poisoning. Machanguarding,chasing with fire, shouting, drumming and fencing are preventivemethods used by local people andthoseare partially effective. Khar (Imperata cylindrica),Khadai (Narenga perphorcoma),Baruwa (Saccharambengalensis),Babiyo (Eulaoiopsis binata), Simthi (Helicteres irosal) are main grassspecies used by local people.