Human-Tiger Conflict in and around the Chitwan National Park,Nepal
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Department of Zoology
Abstract
Human-tiger conflict is one of the most important concerns in tiger conservation,
necessitating a focus on effective mitigation measures. Conflict occurs where Tigers and
human utilize the same habitats and resources which posses a great challenge to the wildlife
managers and conservationists and local residents alike. The study was conducted in and
around the Chitwan National Park to investigate the nature, causes, and effectiveness of
conflict mitigation measures. Data were collected by means of compilation of park data,
household interviews (n=140), questionnaires, interview, field observation. The nature and
extent of human-tiger conflict in the study area had a significant impact on humans and
livestock. Of 140 households surveyed, 56% reported 93 livestock losses in between 20132018.
The
study
revealed that average livestock depredation was 15.50 (n=87) animals per
year and among them goats were highly depredated (42%) animals. Livestock depredation
was affected by seasonal variation. More the half (51%) of the depredation was found in
summer season where the highest loss was reported in the month of July. A total of 13 people
were killed and five got injured by Tiger attacked during six-year of time period. Out of
which about 78% of casualties occurred outside the park area. Twenty-three Tigers died
within the short period of time from 2013-2018, whereas two got killed as revenge of killing
by local and most of species’ death were unknown because of poor management of
government and related authorities. Although, the eastern sector Bachchhauli lost fewer
livestock as compared to the Southern sector of Ayodhyapuri where most of the local people
used park area for grazing the livestock. Within six years, the estimated economic loss for
human casualties was US$ 64852.48 and US$ 11349.19 for livestock loss. This study also
addressed local people's perceptions of the conservation of protected areas and wildlife,
allowing them to describe the values they hold for the areas. Higher local values and
tolerance were significantly influenced by education, and male younger with access to
information and awareness were mostly supportive of Tiger conservation. Furthermore,
living close to the forest and utilizing a high level of resources resulted in a lower level of
tolerance for Tigers. Conservation education as well as adequate compensation programs for
losses, local participatory approaches and regular monitoring and proper park management
coordinating with stakeholders, are recommended as conservation techniques that may help
to minimize conflicts and increase positivity for the long-term conservation of Tiger.
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