How are people living in the buffer zone?

Human-wildlife conflict in the buffer zones of Nepal’s national parks is a persistent issue, causing economic losses, endangering livelihoods, and posing risks to both humans and wildlife. These conflicts are particularly severe in the buffer zones of Chitwan National Park (CNP) and Parsa National Park (PNP). Spanning 750 square kilometers and 285.3 square kilometers respectively, these buffer zones include forests, private lands, and cultivated areas that support endangered species such as one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.

In the fiscal year 2023/24 alone, 11 people in the CNP buffer zone lost their lives to wild animal attacks. Rhino attacks caused five deaths, tigers claimed four lives, and mugger crocodiles killed two people. These statistics highlight the ongoing and dire consequences of human-wildlife conflict.

Buffer zones are co-managed by park authorities and local communities, with portions of park revenue allocated to community development and natural resource management. These areas aim to balance ecological preservation and community involvement. Yet, the challenges remain immense, particularly as locals struggle to maintain livelihoods while coexisting with wildlife.

In Icchyanagar, Thori Rural Municipality-2, Parsa, residents like Krishna Bahadur Jyoti are finding innovative ways to secure their livelihoods while reducing wildlife conflict. Once burdened by financial losses—including a tiger killing his goat—Jyoti now keeps 25 goats in predator-proof corrals. Built with support from the Buffer Zone User Committee and local resources, these corrals have stabilized his finances.

Jyoti’s wife, Durga, recalls their hardships: “Three years ago, a tiger killed a goat we bought with a loan. Now, with the corrals, we sleep peacefully, pay for our children’s education, and manage daily needs.”

This initiative, part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) program, has been instrumental in reducing conflicts. According to Prem Poudel, eastern cluster in-charge of TAL, similar corrals built in Thori and other buffer zone areas have reduced annual goat losses from 30–40 to near zero.

In Gopalnagar of Madi Municipality, Chitwan, locals have shifted to fish farming as a way to mitigate losses from crop damage and livestock predation. Led by community leader Kamal Bhujel, the establishment of the Gopalnagar Fisheries Farmers Cooperative Society has transformed the area into a fisheries hub, producing seven tons of fish annually across 105 hectares. Fish farming has proven to be five times more profitable than traditional agriculture.

Additionally, trenches, dams, and solar-powered fences constructed with TAL program support have reduced wildlife incursions, saving both lives and livelihoods. These measures have also helped prevent migration triggered by conflict.

In Ayodhyapuri, Madi Municipality, women from the Bote community have embraced entrepreneurship by managing community homestays. Previously reliant on fishing and farming, these women now host 7,000–10,000 guests annually across 12 homestays, offering organic meals, cultural performances, and eco-tourism experiences.

Prakash Dhungana, chairperson of the Buffer Zone Management Committee, notes that this initiative has empowered women and fostered biodiversity conservation by encouraging coexistence with wildlife.

In Meghauli, Chitwan, duck farmers like Chameli Chaudhary have found success using river weeds (sewar) as duck feed. Once collected from Chitwan National Park, sewar is now cultivated in nearby community forests through initiatives by the Meghauli Intermediate Consumers’ Committee. This shift has reduced the risks of wildlife encounters and contributed to river conservation.

Duck farming has become a profitable livelihood, with ducks sold at Rs 2,000 for males and Rs 1,500 for females. Additionally, locals have shifted the cultivation of edible ferns (niuro) from national park premises to local farmland, further reducing conflicts.

To minimize crop losses, communities in Meghauli and surrounding areas have also turned to turmeric and lemon farming, crops that are not targeted by wildlife. These alternative practices provide sustainable income while ensuring safety from wildlife incursions.

Despite these measures, challenges persist. Solar-powered electric fences, while effective in keeping wildlife at bay, carry risks of accidental electrocution. Continuous awareness campaigns and safety measures are essential to mitigate such risks.

Behavior Change Communication (BCC) classes have been introduced in areas like Pandabnagar, Madi, to educate locals on coexistence strategies. Youths such as Poonam Pariyar are now sharing this knowledge within their communities, fostering greater awareness and cooperation.

“In Shikaribas, Thori Rural Municipality-3—a critical corridor linking PNP, CNP, and India’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve—similar community-led efforts are underway,” says Poudel. “These initiatives aim to reduce conflicts while maintaining the ecological balance necessary for the survival of species like tigers and elephants.”

While predator-proof corrals, electric fences, and sustainable farming practices have significantly reduced human-wildlife conflicts, the road to coexistence remains complex. Local communities, conservationists, and government bodies must continue collaborating to balance ecological integrity and human safety.