Kathmandu, Jan 8: Human-wildlife conflicts, particularly human-elephant encounters, have escalated in Nepal due to increasing wildlife populations and habitat degradation. Over the last two decades, 274 lives have been lost, with 138 people injured in over 11,000 recorded incidents involving elephants, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
Surge in Human-Wildlife Conflicts
In fiscal year 2079/80 (2022/23), Nepal recorded 39 human deaths, 72 minor injuries, and 124 severe injuries caused by wildlife, along with 531 cases of property damage. Elephants, tigers, and rhinos were identified as the primary contributors to human casualties. Eastern districts like Jhapa face acute challenges due to frequent human-elephant conflicts.
Government Initiatives and Policy Measures
To mitigate these conflicts, the Ministry of Forests and Environment has prioritized intervention programs. Forest Minister Ayan Bahadur Shahi Thakuri recently announced a separate directive to address the issue during a visit to Jhapa’s Mechinagar, a conflict hotspot.
The government has also installed approximately 92 kilometers of electric fencing in Jhapa since 2071/72 (2014/15), investing NPR 110 million. However, maintenance and expansion of these fences remain crucial. Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel, Director General of the Department, emphasized the need for better fencing, specialized vehicles, and systematic management of problematic elephants.
Proposed Solutions for Coexistence
Experts suggest innovative approaches such as promoting non-palatable crops like tea, turmeric, and lemons, enhancing community awareness, and encouraging elephant-based tourism. “Addressing habitat destruction and human encroachment is vital for long-term solutions,” noted Dr. Ashok Ram, a senior conservation officer and researcher.
Statistics on Elephants in Nepal
Nepal is home to an estimated 227 resident wild elephants, with additional seasonal migrations from India. About 170 domesticated elephants, including 60 privately owned ones, are used for conservation and tourism activities.
Relief and Rehabilitation
The government provides compensation of up to NPR 1 million for fatalities, NPR 5 lakh for disabilities, and smaller amounts for injuries and property damage. Over NPR 40 million has been disbursed in Jhapa alone over the past five years.
Conservation Challenges
Habitat fragmentation, illegal poaching, and human settlement expansion into traditional elephant corridors pose significant challenges. Nepal’s elephant population, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is protected under Schedule-1 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029.
A Call for Sustainable Coexistence
As the largest land mammals, elephants hold cultural and ecological significance in Nepal, revered in Hinduism and contributing to eco-tourism. Strengthening conservation measures and fostering human-elephant coexistence are pivotal for minimizing conflicts and ensuring harmony between humans and wildlife.