loading page

Human-Wildlife Conflict in High Altitude: a case from Gaurishankar Conservation Area (968 m – 7181m amsl), Nepal
  • +16
  • Abhinaya Pathak,
  • Saneer Lamichhane,
  • Maheshwar Dhakal,
  • Ajay Karki,
  • Chetri Madhu,
  • Jeffrey Mintz,
  • Prakash Pun,
  • Pramila Neupane,
  • Tulasi Dahal,
  • Trishna Rayamajhi,
  • Prashamsa Paudel,
  • Pramod Regmi,
  • Shankar Thami,
  • Ganesh Thapa,
  • Ashim Thapa,
  • Suraj Khanal,
  • Supriya Lama,
  • Jenisha Karki,
  • Arockia Ferdin
Abhinaya Pathak
Ministry of Forest and Environment, Nepal

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Saneer Lamichhane
Birat Environment Service
Author Profile
Maheshwar Dhakal
DNPWC
Author Profile
Ajay Karki
DNPWC
Author Profile
Chetri Madhu
GCAP
Author Profile
Jeffrey Mintz
USGS
Author Profile
Prakash Pun
GCA
Author Profile
Pramila Neupane
GCA
Author Profile
Tulasi Dahal
National Trust for Nature Conservation
Author Profile
Trishna Rayamajhi
Cornell University
Author Profile
Prashamsa Paudel
Tribhuvan University
Author Profile
Pramod Regmi
National Trust for Nature Conservation
Author Profile
Shankar Thami
GCAP
Author Profile
Ganesh Thapa
Division Forest Office
Author Profile
Ashim Thapa
DNPWC
Author Profile
Suraj Khanal
KAFCOL
Author Profile
Supriya Lama
KAFCOL
Author Profile
Jenisha Karki
KAFCOL
Author Profile
Arockia Ferdin
NDHU
Author Profile

Abstract

The human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a serious problem that affects both human and wildlife populations worldwide. This study investigates the prevalence and increasing trend of HWC in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) of Nepal, with a specific focus on leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) as conflict-causing species. The study analyzes a decade of HWC data and identifies goats as the livestock most targeted by leopards. The Dolakha district of GCA experiences the highest number of conflicts, highlighting the need for mitigation measures in the area. In GCA, livestock attacks alone accounted for 85% of compensation, with the remaining 15% for human injuries. Annual attack reports have shown a significant increase, with a 33% rise year-on-year. The rule change in 2076 BS led to 57 more attacks than expected based on the previous year’s growth. While bear attacks showed no significant change post-rule alteration (t = 0.725, p = 0.5105), leopard attack reports surged from 1 to 60 annually, indicating a significant increase in reporting rates (t = 9.77, p = 0.0097). The findings emphasize the economic impact of HWC on local communities and suggest strategies such as increasing prey populations, promoting community education and awareness, enhancing alternative livelihood options such as eco-tourism, and implementing secure enclosures (corrals) to minimize conflicts and foster harmonious coexistence. This research addresses a knowledge gap in HWC in high-altitude conservation areas like the GCA, providing valuable insights for conservation stakeholders and contributing to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of both humans and wildlife. Keywords: Human-wildlife conflict; High altitude, Leopard; Himalayan black bear; Gaurishankar Conservation Area; Conservation intervention; Co-existence
16 Oct 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
17 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
17 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
25 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
26 Jan 20241st Revision Received