Priority Corridor Zone for Human-Tiger Conflict Mitigation: A Landscape Connectivity Approach in West Sumatra Region, Indonesia

Abstract

Excessive fragmentation of natural landscapes has led to the depletion of tiger habitats in the wild, resulting in year-round human-tiger conflict (HTC) that inflicts physical, material, and psychological losses on both humans and tigers. This research aims to provide strategies for addressing HTC through priority corridor planning as a mitigation measure, using a landscape connectivity approach widely employed to tackle ecological issues. Additionally, we and Stakeholders endeavor to determine priority corridors by initially collecting temporal conflict data, indirect evidence of tiger presence, tiger disturbance data, as well as geospatial data from government agencies involved in conservation and planning. First, we identify ecological connectivity index areas, followed by spatial modeling of HTC potential and corridor analysis using graph theory models. Our last step involves conducting a focus group discussion with stakeholders to determine priority corridors. Our analysis reveals that 65% of connectivity index areas are still connected, followed by 20% with moderate connectivity and 15% with low connectivity. Another finding is that the highest potential for conflict occurs in areas on the edge of the outer conservation zone dominated by agricultural land and plantations, and after the FGD, 12 priority tiger corridors are identified, with these locations having the highest conflict history compared to other areas that need to be connected. Finally, our Pearson correlation test results show that out of 8 potential HTC variables with landscape connectivity, 7 variables have strong connections, and 1 variable shows a weak relationship. We hope that the findings of this research will be valuable for both national and international governments and conservation NGOs as one of the mitigation solutions for HTC, contributing to sustainable development through conservation. Furthermore, our findings can serve as guidelines for local government and international conservation NGOs will formulate future policies regarding HTC mitigation and corridor implementation to ensure the sustainability of this endemic species in the wild.