Characterization and management of human-wildlife conflicts in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal.

Kedar Baral,Rameshwar Bhattarai,Ripu M Kunwar,Bhagawat Rimal,Khum Thapa-Magar,Lalit Kumar Sharma,Achyut Aryal,Hari P Sharma,Weihong Ji

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0260307

Abstract

With the intent to better management human wildlife conflict (HWC) and wildlife conservation in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal, we analyzed the patterns and drivers of HWC. Using data collected from literature, government records and questionnaire survey, we investigated temporal, seasonal and spatial distribution of human casualties caused by wildlife attacks. We also appraised the perception of local people towards wildlife conservation. We have recorded 77 cases (69 human injuries and 8 mortalities) during the period of nine year between 2011 and 2019. The number of wildlife attacks increased over this period. Wildlife attacks were more frequent in winter with 50% (42) of attacks occurred between September and December. Common leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) were the major species involved in these conflicts. Common leopard was the most feared species that causes highest number of human mortalities (87%, n = 67); the most severe type of HWC outcome. Forty-eight percent (n = 37) attacks were reported at human settlement areas followed by 27% attacks in agriculture land (n = 21) and 24% (n = 19) in forest. Generalized linear model analysis on spatial variables showed that the probability of human attacks increases with decreasing elevation (β = -0.0021, Z = -1.762, p = 0.078) and distance from the forest (β = -0.608, Z = -0.789, p = 0.429). We recommend to decrease habitat degradation / fragmentation, carry out habitat management program within forest to increase prey availability to decrease the wildlife invasion into human settlement area, and decrease dependency of people on forest resources by providing alternative livelihood opportunities. Simplified relief fund distribution mechanism at local level also helps alleviate the impact of HWC. The knowledge obtained by this study and management measures are important for better human-wildlife co-existence.

Highlights

The Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) refers to the interactions between human and wild animals that results in negative consequences on livelihood and life of people and or wild animals [1]
Seven types of conflicts and associated 663 HWC cases were recorded in five study districts between 2011 and 2019, based on our review and field observations
There were 77 (12%) cases pertaining to wildlife attacking to human, and these were used for further analyses (Fig 2)

Summary

Introduction

The Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) refers to the interactions between human and wild animals that results in negative consequences on livelihood and life of people and or wild animals [1]. HWC occurs in different contexts involving a range of animal taxonomic groups [3,4,5]. It is a common issue in the Himalaya region where wildlife and people co-exist [6] and share the limited resources [5]. This region exhibit great propensity for HWC due to its rich biodiversity, heavy reliance of people on forests, cropland and animal husbandry for livelihoods [7, 8]. HWC incidences have increased as poaching, deforestation, habitat degradation and fragmentation and overexploitation are escalated [10] with increase in human population [11, 12]

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Discussion

Conclusion