Human-Rhesus Macaque Conflict along the Daraudi River Basin Gorkha District, Nepal

Abstract

The Human-wildlife conflict is less explored in the developing country like Nepal. It is closely related with the economic and social well-being of the local people. Its frequency has been raising annually worldwide. Daraudi River basin of different agricultural plots is one of the hotspots for Human-Rhesus conflict mainly because of crop depredation. This study aimed to explore the Human-Rhesus conflict in different gradients and to explore Human-Rhesus conflict in different gradient in terms of crop damages. Field survey was conducted from October to May 2019. Different community forest were used to survey the Rhesus population. The perception of local people towards Rhesus conservation and methods of mitigating Human-Rhesus conflict was assessed. Questionnaire survey was conducted in 124 households at different altitudinal gradient of Daraudi basin of different agricultural plots, Jarebar (437 m), Rangrung (900 m), Mandre (1400 m) and Barpak (1900 m). Microsoft Excel 2010 and past software were used for data analysis. The average annual economic loss of crop was found to be NRs 9,59,857( US$ 8494.734) and per household economic loss NRs 7673 (68.51US$). Jarebar had the highest crop loss and Maize had the most frequent crop loss. Potential solution was discussed to undertake suitable and appropriate protective measures to minimize the crop losses. The local people perception was found to be negative for conservation of Rhesus. Most of the respondent were fallowing the cropland due to Rhesus problem. Compensation for loss was needed to reduce Human-Rhesus conflict. Different programs such as habitat conservation, afforestation of fruiting trees and change in crop plantation might help to reduce the Human-Rhesus conflict in the study sites.