Human-Wildlife Conflict in High Altitude: a case from Gaurishankar
Conservation Area (968 m – 7181m amsl), Nepal
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