Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) poses a significant threat to
conservation, particularly in the region, where increasing wildlife
populations intersect with dense human communities. This study examines
the HWC scenario in one of the protected areas (Parsa National Park) of
Terai Arc Landscape, where growing population of large mammals shares
the resources in highly populated buffer zone. Analyzing official relief
claims from the past five years (2018/19 – 2022/23) as indicators of
damage intensity, the study found that elephants were involved in 45%
of conflicts, followed by leopards at 29% and tigers at 13.5%. Trend
analysis revealed the increasing trend in herbivore-related damage while
decreasing trend of carnivore-related conflict, despite the increase in
tiger population within the study area. Margina Marginalized communities
were frequently affected by these conflicts, and human settlements
displayed species-specific hotspots with no overlap, suggesting that
species tend to avoid areas occupied by competitors and predators.
Financial claims totaled NPR 9.47 million (~USD 80,275;
with an average of ~ NPR 2 million per year),
predominantly for elephant-related incidents (55%). However, there was
significant difference in relief claim amount among trophic groups (F2,
448 = 4.308, p= 0.014). Statistical analysis showed that conflict
intensity increased with greater distance from buffer zone forests (β =
0.0962, t = 2.616, p = 0.009) and decreased near water resources (β =
-0.094, t = -2.482, p = 0.013). These findings underscore the need for
habitat management interventions, such as enhancing water availability
within protected areas and maintaining corridors to connect the park’s
source populations with sink populations in degraded buffer zone and
national forests. Implementing a field-based assessment process for
wildlife-related damage could support human-wildlife coexistence in the
region.