Livestock Depreciation and Crop Raiding by Wildlife in the Buffer Zone of Bardia Nationa Park, Nepal

Abstract

Biodiversity is globally declining due to anthropogenic activities. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the major drivers for declining the species. Human-wildlife conflict is common everywhere due to resource use competition between humans and wildlife on limited resources. However, limited information on the livestock depredation and crop-raiding was found from rural areas near Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal. This study investigated the issues of livestock depredation and crop-raiding using questionnaires survey to the local people. A total of 300 households were asked for a questionnaire survey. The majority of the respondents (64%) were male, and almost all households (95%) relied on agriculture for their livelihood. Overall, 1476 hoofed livestock were reportedly depredated by Leopards and 209 by Tigers during 2015-2019. Leopards killed hoofed livestock each season was at least 86%, and more than killed by Tigers. Most depredations occurred in winter, followed by summer, spring, and fall. In addition, people in the studied area also suffer from herbivores, including Wild Boar, Indian Crested Porcupine, Rhesus Monkey, and Rabbit, through crop raiding. The Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Indian Crested Porcupine, and Rabbit mainly damaged paddy (198.97 kg), maize (132.68 kg and wheat (92.68 kg) per household, respectively. Because of severe effects created by livestock depredations and raiding near to BNP, this study recommends using more efficacious deterrent techniques, where feasible, in addition to improved livestock husbandry practices such as night penning.