Are conflict-causing tigers different? Another perspective for understanding human-tiger conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

<5% of tigers in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, are responsible for human-tiger conflicts, with transient or physically impaired individuals being more likely to engage in such behavior. A study analyzing data from 2007 to 2016 identified 22 problem-causing tigers—13 involved in human fatalities, six serial livestock killers, and three threatening human safety. By comparing these 'problem tigers' with the broader tiger population through camera trapping (2009, 2010, 2013), researchers found that conflict was not evenly distributed but concentrated among a small subset of individuals. The study recommends proactive measures, such as an early warning system combining regular monitoring and timely intervention, to mitigate conflicts by either relocating or removing problem tigers or encouraging behavioral changes in local communities.

Lamichhane, B. R., Persoon, G. A., Leirs, H., Musters, C. J. M., Subedi, N., Gairhe, K. P., Pokheral, C. P., Poudel, S., Mishra, R., Dhakal, M., Smith, J. L. D., & de Iongh, H. H. (2017). Are conflict-causing tigers different? Another perspective for understanding human-tiger conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Global Ecology and Conservation, 11, 177–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2017.06.003