Pattern and Correlate of Human-Primate Conflict-An Insight for its
Mitigation: A Case Study of Nilkantha Municipality of Dhading District,
Nepal
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.