Open AccessAnalysis of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Buffer Zone Area: A Case Study of Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal
Author(s) -
Maheshwari Bhatta,
Rajeev Joshi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
grassroots journal of natural resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2581-6853
DOI - 10.33002/nr2581.6853.03033
Subject(s) - national park , wildlife , human–wildlife conflict , livestock , buffer zone , geography , wildlife conservation , socioeconomics , wild boar , leopard , wildlife management , environmental resource management , environmental protection , environmental planning , ecology , forestry , biology , archaeology , environmental science , sociology
This article is based on a study carried out in buffer zone of Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP), which lies in Kanchanpur district of Nepal. It is aimed to assess nature and extent of crop damages, livestock depredation and human casualties, and to identify local people's attitude towards wildlife conservation and management. Primary data was collected through preliminary field visit, questionnaire survey of households, key informant interviews, focus group discussion and direct field observation. Paddy was major crop damaged by wild animals, followed by wheat and maize. Wild boar followed by elephant and deer were found as the most problematic animals causing crop damage, while common leopard was found as the major culprit for livestock depredation. The proximity to the national park was found determining factor to the extent of damage caused by the wild animals. People’s attitude towards wildlife conservation was found to be positive; however, more than 85% of respondents showed dissatisfaction towards park authorities’ effort for conflict management. Active participation of local people in conservation and awareness program can play a vital role to reduce and mitigate the human wildlife conflict at community level.