Human-Wildlife Conflicts: The Case of Chitwan National Park and Buffer Zone People in Nepal

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts are common phenomenon throughout the world which have become significant problems. Human-wildlife conflicts bring many socio-economic and ecological consequences in buffer zone area of the protected area. This study is based on mixed research design combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Household survey, focus group discussions are used for primary data collection. After collecting data, the data are tabulated with coding and tables are constructed with percentage figures and qualitative data are analyzed inductively using descriptions through words and phrases. There are different major sources of conflicts in the people of buffer zone and the Chitwan National Park. The major conflicts are illegal extraction of park resources such as collection of firewood, fodder and timber, livestock grazing, crop raids by wild animals and loss of human life and property. The Mitigative measures used in the study areas for wildlife damage control are repellents, physical constructions and guarding. Different community development programs have influenced buffer zone people’s attitude towards the park. Conservation education and with adequate compensation against damages and regular monitoring of wild animals help to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.