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.

Altitude is a critical factor influencing vegetation composition, ecosystem properties, and soil nutrient availability. This study, conducted in the Central Himalaya’s Myagdi area in Nepal, explores the distribution of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) across an altitudinal range from 1800 m to 3800 m above sea level. A total of 50 species were identified, predominantly herbs (40), followed by shrubs (7), climbers (2), and ferns (1). The researchers employed square plots (n=69 of 25 m2) sampled at 100-meter intervals along the altitudinal gradient. Various factors such as slope aspect, disturbance levels, and habitat characteristics were recorded at each plot. Soil samples were collected using standard methods, and soil variables including pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus were investigated. The findings indicated a decline in plant species abundance with increasing elevation, as determined by a linear model. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between habitat characteristics and slope aspect. However, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between disturbance levels and MAP abundance. Soil pH exhibited a decreasing trend with elevation (4.5 to 6.5), while SOC increased with higher elevations, suggesting a positive relationship. Although species richness did not significantly correlate with SOC, total nitrogen showed a positive relationship with elevation. Available potassium exhibited a significant positive relationship with elevation, as did the correlation between plant abundance and potassium. Conversely, available phosphorus displayed a significant negative relationship with elevation, while a positive relationship was observed between plant number and phosphorus. The study underscores the intricate relationships between soil parameters, MAPs, and environmental factors along altitude gradients. Further research in different Himalayan regions will enhance our understanding of these interactions, contributing to broader insights into the impacts of altitude on vegetation and ecosystems.