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Pattern and Correlate of Human-Primate Conflict-An Insight for its Mitigation: A Case Study of Nilkantha Municipality of Dhading District, Nepal
  • Sweta Karki,
  • Ashma Dahal,
  • Suraj Sharma
Sweta Karki
Kathmandu Forestry College
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Ashma Dahal
Kathmandu Forestry College
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Suraj Sharma
National Trust for Nature Conservation

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Human-primate conflict (HPC) is a major ecological challenge whose information on spatio-temporal patterns and correlate facilitates effective mitigation planning. This study attempts to correlate HPC with available plant species while also quantifying economic losses. Data were collected through quadrat mapping, household (HH) surveys, key informant surveys, focal group discussions, location mapping, and related literature. Spatial (Thiessen polygon tool), economic, and statistical approaches were employed for data analysis. The highly increasing trend of HPC resulted in a dispersed distribution of crop damage. There was a moderately high plant species density (Simpson’s index =0.663); however, only 0.005 to 0.439% of the primates’ top five preferential species were in the forest, highlighting the need to plant foraging species. The average annual monetary loss per HH accounted for NRs. 28,879 (USD 216.01) for crop damage. Everyone used following, shouting, and throwing stones techniques to deter primates, but only with 7% effectiveness. With effective mitigation measures, the conservation of wild animals can be scaled up. This study suggests insufficient food availability as a major cause of conflict in the area; thus, it is recommended to plant foraging species of primates in the forest.
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