Human-Leopard Conflict in Palungtar Municipality in Gorkha District, Nepal

Abstract

Human-Wildlife Conflict is a common phenomenon from the past and has become a significant problem throughout the world. Livestock depredation, property damage and human casualties are the most common forms of conflict. Human-leopard conflict is a major issue in the Palungtar Municipality. This study had been conducted from December 2018 to June 2019 using structured questionnaires and focal group discussion. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in 265 households at seven mostly affected villages of Palungtar Municipality: Khoplang, Aapipal, Palungtar, Gaikhur, Chyangling, Dhuwakot and Mirkot. Altogether 21 transects were drawn to represent different habitats of Palungtar area, where the direct and indirect signs of the species were recorded. Signs of Leopard were recorded on both sides of transect within ten meters. A total of 45 signs was obtained in the seven different Community Forests of the study area, indicating the presence of the Leopard. About 79% households suffered livestock depredation problem from Leopard in the study area. There were 375 domestic animals were killed and 49 domestic animals were injured due to Leopard attack from 2016 to 2018. Chyangli Village was the most affected village for livestock depredation and Khoplang Village was the least affected for livestock depredation. A total of two human attack cases was recorded. Linear regression (R xiv

2 = 0.93, F=12.56, P=0.03) was used to analyze the distribution of Leopard. More than half (63%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards the presence of Leopard conservation. It assessed the tolerance level and perception of the local people towards Leopard conservation by mitigating human-leopard conflict. This study was also designed to explore the status of Leopard (Panthera pardus) in the study area. This study aimed to explore the human-leopard conflict in terms of livestock depredation, human causalities and other causes of human-leopard conflict. Major causes of Leopard decline are due to deforestation, forest fire, low prey species, habitat degradation, poaching, killing and others. Afforestation, habitat conservation, awareness program for local people and regular monitoring of Leopard might help to reduce the human-leopard conflict. Key words: Leopard, Palungtar, Conflicts, Livestock depredation, Household survey.