Patterns, Causes, Perceptions And Costs of Human Large Carnivore Conflict In The Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Abstract

One of the major management problems in and around protected areas is intensifying conflict of local people with wildlife, especially large carnivores. Livestock depredation and human fatalities caused by attack of carnivores are found to be serious obstacle in conflict management. This study aims to explore the patterns, costs, causes and perceptions of human large carnivore conflict in Nawalpur area of Chitwan National Park. Pattern of livestock loss and human casualties due to large carnivores (Panthera tigris and Panthera pardus) were analyzed using the secondary data reported to Chitwan National Park since 2001 to 2019. Total 60 pug marks were identified from sign survey out of which 38 were of tiger and 22 were of leopard which showed the occurrence of carnivores around human residence. During 19 years of study period, total 521 incidents caused by large carnivores was reported which include 33 human casualties and 488 livestock depredation. Tiger was responsible for maximum conflict incidents in Nawalpur. Total US$17524.41 has been spent as relief for human deaths and injury whereas US$ 13702.18 has been used to compensate livestock depredation in Nawalpur area by Chitwan National Park.Questionnaire with 150 victims of large carnivore conflict revealed loss of 238 livestock and avian stock and four human casualties. Economic loss of 44327.59 US$ due to livestock depredation was estimated from questionnaire survey where per household loss was found to be 295.51US$. Conducting awareness program about the compensation scheme of government and educating local communities about large carnivores, their behavior and wildlife conservation would be helpful to minimize conflict in the study area.