Assessing patterns of human–Asiatic black bear interaction in and around Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

Jamtsho, Yonten; Wangchuk, Sangay

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2016.09.004

Cited by 59 publications

(40 citation statements)

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“…The livestock kill can vary by site, livestock type and presence and absence of herder and also the presence or absence of predators (Jackson 1999). For instance, the greatest proportions of livestock kills in the lower elevation region of WCNP are by black bear (Jamtsho and Wangchuk 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sangay and Vernes (2008) also reported that predation by SLs was maximum during the peak summer months of June and July, while minimal cases were reported in the months of April and September, and few cases or number of predation on other times of the year. On the other hand, depredation by other predators such as tiger, wild dog and black bears mostly happened in late autumn through early spring and these cases were mostly reported from the lower elevation regions (Jamtsho and Wangchuk 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In fact, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Bhutan is increasing significantly, and this could be due to the fact that almost all the PAs support some form of land use, such as crop farming and livestock rearing (Wang 2004). While people live in the PAs this would increase the chances of them being exposed to the wildlife species, resulting in conflicts (Jackson and Wangchuk 2004;Fox et al 2002) as PAs form the habitat and/or a migratory route (Jamtsho and Wangchuk 2016) for wildlife species. There are studies on large carnivores (Sangay and Vernes 2014), wild dog (Katel et al 2014), human-elephant conflict (NCD (Nature Conservation Division) 2018), National SL Survey (DoFPS (Department of Forests and Park Services) 2016) and human-bear conflict (Jamtsho and Wangchuk 2016); however, there is sparse information on HWC pertaining to SL and Tibetan wolf (TW).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, a clear understanding on the extent of conflicts between the pastoral communities and the wildlife species involved is essential for framing suitable species conservation and rural human development. It is known that livestock depredation in the higher elevation is mainly caused by SL and TW (Jamtsho and Wangchuk 2016); however, the extent of losses that caused the pattern of depredation is not yet understood. Scarce information means that details are lacking about various aspects of the conflict and this compromises implementation of effective, relevant and specific solutions to reduce the conflicts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Livestock depredation by snow leopard and Tibetan wolf: Implications for herders’ livelihoods in Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

Jamtsho

Katel

2019

Pastoralism

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Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a serious problem in many parts of the world, and Bhutan's Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) is no exception. Located in the remote alpine areas of the eastern Himalaya, wildlife species such as snow leopard (SL) and Tibetan wolf (TW) are reported to kill livestock in many parts of the Park. Such depredation is believed to have affected the livelihoods of high-altitude herding communities, resulting in conflicts between them. This study provides analysis on the extent of livestock depredation by wildlife predators such as SL and TW and examines its implications for the livelihoods of herding communities of Choekhortoe and Dhur regions of WCNP. Using semi-structured questionnaires, all herders (n = 38) in the study area were interviewed. The questions pertained to livestock population, frequency of depredation and income lost due to depredation in the last five years from 2012 to 2016. This study recorded 2,815 livestock heads in the study area, with an average herd size of 74.1 stock. The average herd size holding showed a decreasing trend over the years, and one of the reasons cited by the herders is depredation by SL and TW and other predators. This loss equated to an average annual financial loss equivalent to 10.2% (US$837) of their total per capita cash income. Such losses have resulted in negative impacts on herders' livelihood; e.g. six herders (2012-2016) even stopped rearing livestock and resorted to an alternate source of cash income. The livestock intensification programmes, including pasture improvement through allowing controlled burning, and financial compensation, may be some potential short-term solutions to reduce conflict between herders and predators. Issuing permits for cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) collection only to the herders and instilling the sense of stewardship to highland herders may be one of the long-term solutions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Livestock depredation by snow leopard and Tibetan wolf: Implications for herders’ livelihoods in Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

Jamtsho

Katel

2019

Pastoralism

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“…On the other hand, conflicts have arisen between people and wildlife across Bhutan in recent times (Sangay & Vernes, 2008) and U. thibetanus was reported as one of the conflicting predators (Wang et al, 2006a;Jamtsho & Wangchuk, 2016). Interactions between U. thibetanus and humans span a diverse array of geographic and human demographic contexts as bears typically compete directly with humans for space, food, security, and cover (Charoo et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of Asiatic black bear and its interaction with humans in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

Letro¹,

Wangchuk²,

Dhendup

2020

Nat. Conserv. Res.

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We assessed the human-bear interactions and distribution patterns of the Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) in Bhutan through a questionnaire survey of park residents and by remote camera trapping. Our study revealed 26% (N = 311) of the respondents experiencing one or another form of human-bear interaction. Crop damage accounted for the highest interaction rate at 65%, followed by livestock depredation (25%), between 2012 and 2016. About 10% of the interactions involved human mual-bout 10% of the interactions involved human mualing cases in 2006-2016. About 80% of the respondents expressed support for bear conservation influenced mainly by conservation awareness programmes. Observations from 39 camera trap stations across the national park indicated a wide distribution of Asiatic black bears in JSWNP, with a mean site use probability of 0.55 (SE = 0.10, N = 39). With emerging perceived threats such as habitat fragmentation and loss, retaliatory killing, and poaching, it is recommended that the national park management adopt conservation measures that will enable a harmonious coexistence between humans and bears. Habitat enrichment with natural food resources for the bear, equipping communities with conflict preventive measures, and advocating local people on bear conservation are some of the measures that need to be adopted in the national park.

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Social and ecological dimensions are needed to understand human‐wildlife conflict in subsistence farming context

Yeshey,

Keenan,

Ford

et al. 2024

People and Nature

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This study explores the social, economic and environmental dimensions of human‐wildlife conflict (HWC) in four districts of Bhutan. Looking beyond the common unidimensional approach to the evaluation of HWCs, it documents the multifaceted nature of HWCs through a social‐ecological system (SES) lens. We carried out a mixed method analysis of HWC based on 96 interviews consisting of qualitative and quantitative data and eight focus group discussions conducted in four districts representing four regions of Bhutan. Our case study finding reveals that HWC scenarios are complex and there is spatial variation in both social and ecological factors that contribute to HWC. In some areas, ecological aspects such as the composition and behaviour of wildlife species exacerbate the conflict, while in other regions the co‐occurrence of wildlife and livestock in the same ‘wild’ landscape drives HWC. The socio‐economic dimensions of HWC are largely driven by attitudes, tolerance, and behaviour of individuals underpinned by multiple factors. We propose that the SES approach improves our understanding of key social, economic and ecological factors, their interactions, and the feedback that either exacerbates or ameliorates HWC in contested landscapes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

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Assessing patterns of human–Asiatic black bear interaction in and around Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

Cited by 59 publications

References 13 publications

Livestock depredation by snow leopard and Tibetan wolf: Implications for herders’ livelihoods in Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

Livestock depredation by snow leopard and Tibetan wolf: Implications for herders’ livelihoods in Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bhutan

Distribution of Asiatic black bear and its interaction with humans in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

Social and ecological dimensions are needed to understand human‐wildlife conflict in subsistence farming context

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