Background and Research Aims: Buffer zone programs aim to reduce park-people conflicts by improving local livelihoods through integrated conservation and development activities. A case study was conducted at Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal from 2002–2016 to examine some buffer zone initiatives. Methods: Focus group discussions ( n = 7), key informant interviews ( n = 14), and field observations were performed in accordance with the IUCN Framework for Assessing Management Effectiveness of Protected Areas 2006 and WWF´s Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Area Management 2006. Results: A total of 99 buffer zone activities were identified, including a variety of construction activities such as hydroelectric projects, trails, schools, and monasteries. Park funds were allocated mainly for community development and social welfare (42%), and less on conservation and conflict management (22%). For example, traditional “ Nawa” animal rearing practices, feral dog control, and mitigation of wildlife damages to crops and livestock were overlooked. Conclusion: Support gained from the buffer zone program to address livelihoods of needy households who suffer from wildlife damages was lacking, despite legal provisions for compensation (e.g. crop damages caused by jharal). This should not occur at the expense of wildlife conservation and if it does, it will diminish the original intent of buffer zones. Implications for Conservation: Although most of the local communities were positive about buffer zone programs and activities, there was a dire need to incorporate “ Nawa” practices, wildlife damage compensation schemes, and feral dog controls. This study suggests to update policies that focus on conflict management.

Few researches have been conducted on the hispid hare Caprolagus hispidus, an endangered small mammal native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas. In major protected areas of Nepal, grassland burning has been considered as one of the most important habitat management tools however its effects on grassland dependent species ...

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.