Population status, habitat preferences and crop depredation by Nilgai (Boselaphus Tragocamelus Pallas, 1766) in Lumbini Development Area, Rupandehi District, Nepal
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Department of Zoology
Abstract
Nilgai is regarded as the pest of the agriculture due to high amount of crop raiding. Crop
depredation is a major form of human–wildlife conflict that affects livelihoods of farmers
living close to forest areas. The present study was carried with objective to find population
status, habitat preferences and crop depredation by Nilgai in Lumbini Development Area
(LDA), Rupandehi district from July to August 2017 based on line transect, indirect
evidence collection and questionnaire survey methods. Total 59 Nilgai were observed from
9 transects with mean herd size 2.18 and density 7.512 individuals/ km
2
. Adult Female to
Adult male ratio was 9.33. Distribution pattern of Nilgai was uniform type among studied
samples. Maximum (n=4) Fecal matters and Nilgai (n=28) were recorded in human
encroachment area but least Fecal matter (n=2) and Nilgai (n=5) were found in riverine and
water logged area. Fifty seven percentage of the respondent stated that the damage is
increasing every year. They have stopped planting Potatoes, Rahar, Pea and Grams. Crop
depredation was found high in Madhuwani and Tenuhawa. Only 39.48% of the respondents
used the protective measures, which is also not effective. Most of the respondents use
Bamboo fencing as protective measures. Whereas guarding overnight, producing sound,
scare crow, chasing Nilgai, tape film rounding, cattle dung spray and rotten fish spray were
the traditional method applied to protect crop depredation. Disease, competition among the
Nilgai, forest fire, habitat destruction, poisoning and killing of Nilgai were threats stated
by the respondents.
Key words: Effectiveness, Lowland Nepal, Nilgai, Protective measures