Status, patterns, and trends of human-wildlife conflict in Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are common in locations where human settlements and wildlife ecosystems intersect. Conflict between people and wildlife is a significant conservation issue that is challenging to resolve. Therefore, this research aims to reveal the trends and patterns of HWC in the Buffer Zone (BZ) of Chitwan National Park (CNP) from July ۲۰۱۲ to July ۲۰۲۱. Primary data were collected through household surveys, key informant surveys, direct observation, and secondary data from park offices, the Buffer Zone User Committee (BZUC), and institutions through reports, documents, and booklets. Our study shows crop raiding was the most common and notable problem, followed by livestock depredation, with ۴۴۱۶ documented cases. According to the report, elephants are the biggest conflict-causing species, accounting for ۳۷.۸۶% of overall losses. HWC occurrences peaked in ۲۰۱۸, accounting for ۲۳.۴۱% of total incidents from July ۲۰۱۲ to July ۲۰۲۱. During the research period, victims of HWC received compensation totaling ۰.۸۰۵ million US dollars (۱۰۶۷۱۶۷۵۷.۰۰ Nepalese rupees).  Autumn is identified as the greatest season for HWC, owing to paddy harvesting, which draws animals. Most people believe that the population density of wildlife increases in the park due to positive human participation. By adopting a participatory management approach to conservation, the park has the potential to increase the number of locals who benefit from it significantly.

Keywords:

Adaptation , buffer zones , compensation , crop raiding , perception , Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC)