Livestock depredation by leopards around Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A decade-long analysis of leopard livestock depredation around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, revealed that goats were disproportionately targeted (87.3% of cases), leading to significant economic losses and compensation payments totaling $24,621 over ten years. Despite a general decline in incidents from 2007–2016, no clear correlation was found between depredation and factors such as human or livestock population density, forest area, or environmental variables like rainfall or temperature. Depredation hotspots were identified through a conflict map, highlighting clustering in specific buffer zone areas. The study suggests that improved husbandry practices, livestock insurance schemes, and conservation education could mitigate conflicts and enhance public support for leopard conservation.

Dhungana, R., Lamichhane, B. R., Savini, T., Dhakal, M., Poudel, B. S., & Karki, J. B. (2019). Livestock depredation by leopards around Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Mammalian Biology, 96, 7–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2019.03.006