Human-Asian Wild Elephant (Elephas maximus) conflict: A case study around Bardia National Park, Bardia, Nepal

Abstract

Human-elephant conflict poses a serious threat to elephant conservation in many parts of Asia including Nepal. The principal objective of the research was to assess wild elephant conflict with human around the Bardia National Park, western Nepal. The crop-raiding and economic losses by elephant were assessed by household questionnaire survey and interview. Chi-square test was carried out to analyze the data.

The main problems caused by elephants were crop damaged and harassment to people. A total NRs, 5,52,366 of monetary loss was estimated due to crop damage by elephants in 2008 .Paddy accounted 37.7%, wheat 25.2%, Maize 21.6% and Lentil 15.4%. Elephant with calves were more dangerous than other groups. The highest intensity of damage occurred in July-August and November-December. 63% and 65% of farmers has shortage of food due to crop damage by elephant in Shivapur and Thakurdwara VDC respectively. Electric fence and community protection were more effective in preventive measures. The government should provide effective compensation to the affected farmers to deter elephants and formalize transboundary co-operation with India to mitigate human elephant conflict in western Nepal.

The study concluded that to conserve the elephants in western Nepal keep the viable population of elephants and their habitat diversity be increased.