Abstract
Wildlife populations are at a risk of extinction mainly because of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). The present study was designed to evaluate the ongoing HWC with special reference to Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Ayubia National park through field study as well as a literature-based approach. Questionnaire interview surveys were designed for wildlife officials working in the park and the locals who bear the cost for leopard conflict through livestock depredation and crop damage. The study showed that human-leopard conflict in the study area has been increasing. More than 60% of people considered livestock depredation as the major reason for their negative perception towards the common leopard. Among livestock, goats were more vulnerable which showed that leopards mostly preferred smaller prey. A number of reported human injuries and deaths on account of Human-Leopard conflict in the study area helped conclude that human-wildlife conflict is a significant issue. Mitigation measures may hence be recommended, such as livestock compensation schemes and community-based conservation approaches, etc. It is critical to avoid human-Leopard conflict not only to keep the public and their property safe but also to help conserve this important species of common leopard (Panthera pardus).
Highlights
Wildlife is a precious biological resource of the ecosystem, which is at stake on account of anthropogenic activities (Manfredo, 2008; Bagchi and Mishra, 2006)
Are you agreed that Human leopard conflict in study area has increased?
As we collected data from officials and we found that around 20 leopard killings have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) specially in Galiat region around Ayubia National park from 2011 to 2017
Summary
Wildlife is a precious biological resource of the ecosystem, which is at stake on account of anthropogenic activities (Manfredo, 2008; Bagchi and Mishra, 2006). Large carnivores are involved in conflict because of their large home ranges and feeding requirements that mostly overlap with people (Redpath et al, 2001; Khorozyan et al 2018). These species are forced to live alongside humans and they have to compete for space and prey species (Partasasamita et al 2016; Bhatia et al 2013). HWC is widespread than ever before and has even emerged as a major challenge in the arena of conservation biology (Pandey et al 2016; Wasim et al 2014). Conflict between humans and wildlife is more widespread than ever before and has emerged as a major challenge in the arena of conservation biology (Farrington et al 2019). HWC is an important issue to be taken into account for the management of wildlife resource management and growing human needs (Naha et al 2018; Shehzad et al 2015; Ahmad et al 2007)
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