Grappling With Human-Wildlife Conflict

Nepal’s conservation success is uniquely devised and internationally acclaimed. But in the aftermath of the success, the nation is now grappling to deal with an offshoot issue-- human-wildlife conflict. In Chitwan National Park, every winter, local people are allowed by the park authorities to enter the grassland to collect khar grass, which they use to make traditional thatch roofs. Grass collectors are killed or injured in rhino and tiger attacks almost every year. Female rhinos roaming with their babies are especially aggressive when they encounter people. Rhinos also come to the farmlands lying near the forests at night and eat the maize crops. This situation is a typical example of humans and wild animals crossing the territory of each other, which eventually results in hostilities and tragic consequences.