Temporal and spatial pattern of wildlife attacks on human in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Abstract

Wildlife attacks on humans pose a critical challenge to wildlife conservation. Comprehensive information about the conflict cases can be vital for effective wildlife management and conservation. In this study, we assessed the temporal and spatial patterns of wildlife attacks on humans in Chitwan National Park between January 2009 to December 2020 by using the annual reports published by the park. Our analysis revealed that out of the nine-wildlife species involved in conflicts, rhinos, elephants, tigers, sloth bears, and wild boars had significantly higher involvement in conflicts with humans. The findings showed that an average of 42 annual attacks and 10 human fatalities cases were reported annually. Of these species, rhinos exhibited the most frequent involvement in conflicts (38%), while elephants were found to be the most lethal species, causing an average of 3.75 human fatalities per year. The trend line indicated a marginal increase in wildlife attacks on humans by 3.97 per year (adjusted R2=0.36). Our study further revealed that wildlife attacks were mostly concentrated in the winter season (χ2=1.088, df=3, p<0.05), with elephant, rhino, and tiger attacks predominantly occurring in the proximity of human settlements. To evaluate the risk factors of human deaths due to wildlife attacks, we utilized logistic regression analysis and found elephant attacks were associated with the highest probability of causing human fatalities (odd ratio=15.2, p<0.05), followed by tiger attacks (odd ratio=8.41, p<0.05). The study revealed an increasing trend in attacks, predominantly occurring in winter and near human settlements. Elephants and tigers are identified as the highest risk factors for human fatalities. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective wildlife management and conservation efforts.

Wicked Problems, Novel Solutions: Nepalese Elephant Tourism and Conservation

“…These populations already faced inequitable representation in forest management and tourism operation ownership, and experienced fewer gains from tourism practices, placing them at greater risk of reliance on forest products for survival [ 34 , 37 ]. Increasing losses are intimately linked to the transformation of landscapes surrounding PAs from traditional habitat to highly desirable (for wildlife and humans) agricultural crops as former forest-dwelling human populations resettled outside the PAs [ 36 , 38 ]. Human population growth is further impacting land use practices, as demand for housing and agricultural land removes more and more wildlife habitat from areas surrounding the PAs [ 39 ].…”

“…The Nepalese government’s stated focus on preserving wild elephants has officials worried about the potential for escalating conflict as human populations increase. Between 2009 and 2020, elephants were responsible for 13% of all human–wildlife conflict in the Chitwan area (with 67 separate incidents of human–elephant conflict), and elephant–human conflicts demonstrated the highest potential for human fatalities [ 38 ]. Efforts such as unpalatable crop planting, trenching, noise makers, and fencing have been initiated in attempts to reduce the impacts of conflicts on humans [ 38 , 49 ].…”

“…Between 2009 and 2020, elephants were responsible for 13% of all human–wildlife conflict in the Chitwan area (with 67 separate incidents of human–elephant conflict), and elephant–human conflicts demonstrated the highest potential for human fatalities [ 38 ]. Efforts such as unpalatable crop planting, trenching, noise makers, and fencing have been initiated in attempts to reduce the impacts of conflicts on humans [ 38 , 49 ]. The government has also increased financial compensation for loss in attempts to reduce HWC.…”