Sustainable Conservation Livelihood activity: A case from the Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan.

A five-year evaluation of Bhutan's Jersey calf-sharing scheme in the Royal Manas National Park revealed significant conservation and livelihood benefits. The initiative, which distributed seed cows to 56 households with the condition to share female offspring, led to a 43.6% increase in Jersey cows, reduced forest grazing, lower livestock losses to carnivores, and improved dairy income. This approach also fostered equitable benefit sharing, strengthened community engagement, and promoted positive conservation attitudes. The study highlights the potential of such schemes as sustainable tools for balancing livelihood needs with wildlife conservation, particularly in multiple-use zones where human-wildlife interactions pose challenges.

Wangchuk, S., Wangchuk, S., Wangchuk, D., & Lhendup, J. (2026). Sustainable Conservation Livelihood activity: A case from the Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan. Parks, 75. https://doi.org/10.2305/wpgz3455