Managing Human–Wildlife Conflict on the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Background: Rapid increases in protected wildlife population can lead to increased human–wildlife conflicts, challenging conservation program sustainability. As wildlife continue to thrive and increase on the Tibetan Plateau, human–wildlife conflict is expected to be an ever-present and evolving challenge, but the negative effects of such thriving wildlife are generally overlooked. Result: We found that growing wildlife populations and changes in behavior can have considerable negative effects on Sustainable Development Goals and associated targets. Moreover, these negative effects will likely be intensified as a result of climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Conclusion: If not adequately addressed, then rebounding wildlife populations may cause or reinforce human–wildlife conflict. We urge a reconsideration of traditional approaches to human–wildlife conflict mitigation on the Tibetan Plateau that do not shy away from approaching overabundance-related conflicts directly.