Human-Leopard Conflict in Palungtar Municipality in Gorkha District, Nepal
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Department of Zoology
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.