Wildlife-People Conflict: Assessment of Cropdepredationby Wild life around Barandabhar Corridor Forest

Abstract

Chitwan National Park (CNP), first national park established in 1973 and enlisted as worldheritage site in 1984, covers an area of 932 square km and is located in the southern Terai ofNepal. Crop loss due to wild animals has created serious problem in all parts adjoiningagricultural lands of the national parks and forest areas in Nepal. Four basic causes of conflict inthe areaare loss of human life, livestockdepredationand crops damage by wild animals, andnatural resources consumption / sharing practices.Since BCF is amalgamated with Mahabharatrange and RCNP, its function to act as a biological corridor between these two biologicallypotential areas is crucial. This study was carried out from April 2004 to May 2005: to assess the problems attributed to cropdamage and estimate the monetary value of crop loss by wild animals in the adjoining areas ofBCF. Random questionnaire survey was done in 441 households within the distance of one kmfrom the forest boarder. Extent of damage inpaddy,mustard, lentil, maize, and vegetables fieldwas taken by interviewing the local people (GAD) as well as the visits of damage field (NAD).Analysis was based on descriptive statistics aided with MS Excel and SPSS software. NAD estimation showed a heavy economic loss of total worth NRs. 1779579.92 for 2004/2005production year. NAD estimation was found to be 1.5 times less than the GAD estimation. Therewas more damage in the eastern part (NRs. 275796.29) than in western part (NRs. 751891.71).The average crop loss per household per annum was NRs. 6244.14. Highest loss occurred topaddy (29.37%) followed by vegetables (27.77%), maize (17.55%), mustard (11.24%), lentil(11.23%) and wheat (2.88%). Comparatively, highest damage occurred in Zone I followed byZone IV, II and III respectively. Of the wild animals, rhinoceros was the number one crop-raidinganimal followed by wild boar, deer, parakeets and elephant. Crop preferences of wild animalsvaried in different growing stages and loss varied with the distance from the forest. The main source of conflict is crop damage and human harassment due to wild animals. Pressureof crop damage made it very difficult to live a substantial life for poor people and creates conflictbetween local people and wildlife. Other sources of conflict include increasing fuel wood andfodder demand, cattle grazing, fishing, poaching, forest fire and illegal hunting. Traditionalmeasures related to crop protection, adopted by farmers, include Machan guarding, deterringcrop-raiding animals by shouting and clapping, noise making by beating the canisters and firesticks. Based on the present study, biological, physical and socio-economic measures are recommendedto halt further depredation of crop and alleviate the wildlife-people conflict attributed to cropdamage problem. Key words: Biodiversity, eco-tourism, agroforestry, crop damage, buffer zone, communityforestry, ethnic value, and socio-economy.