Livestock depredation by tigers and people’s perception towards conservation in a biological corridor of Bhutan and its conservation implications

Abstract

Abstract Context An effective management of human–wildlife conflict is key to successful conservation, especially in areas where large carnivores occur. This is particularly important when new conservation regimes such as biological corridors are to be operationalised, as is the case in Bhutan. Aims The aim of the study was to determine livestock depredation by tigers in a biological corridor (BC) in Bhutan and to assess the people’s perception towards tiger conservation and BC management. Methods A semi-structured questionnaire survey with both open- and closed-ended questions was administered to 91 households from 10 villages. Chi-square tests were used to determine the association between predictor and response variables and multivariate logistic regressions to determine factors affecting the attitude of people towards conservation. Key results Livestock losses were common, with 69% of respondents losing one or more livestock to predators between 2016 and 2018. Tigers were responsible for 58.9% of all kills. The people’s awareness of the BC was low (16%), but still they had a positive attitude towards tiger conservation (68%) and BC management (65%). Knowledge on the BC was higher in males than in females, in people with than without a formal education, and in inner- than buffer-zone villages. The respondents’ attitude towards conservation was significantly more positive in people being aware of the BC, with a formal education, and that had not suffered livestock depredation. Conclusions Overall, the results suggest that tigers are active in the BC and that livestock depredation is high. People’s knowledge on the BC was low, and a positive attitude towards conservation was driven by cultural values and education level. Implementation of preventive measures, addressing depredation issues and conducting awareness education programs, will further enhance positive attitudes. Implications The present study highlighted the need for wildlife damage prevention and mitigating the prevailing conflicts in the BCs. Additionally, communities in and around the BCs need to be informed of conservation programs so that they become conservation partners.