Human-Carnivore Conflict and Herder’s Ethical Dilemmas for Conservation in Annapurna, Nepal
Research Location:
Implemented: Annapurna, Nepal
Conservation Partner:
Rinzin Lama
Student Researcher
Katherine Marston, Major: Geology; Major: Environment & Sustainability (science-track)Student Researcher
Liam McLinda, Major: International Relations; Major: Integrative ConservationFaculty Mentor
Dr. Sapana LohaniProject Description
Effective mitigation of human-wildlife conflict requires the engagement of local communities in identifying and implementing strategies. W&M students are working with Rinzin Lama to explore herder’s attitudes and perspectives on effective human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.
Nepalese Highland is a biodiversity hotspot and supports livestock husbandry as a means of supporting the rural economy of Nepali communities. Herder communities in this region raise a variety of animals, including yaks, goats, sheep, cattle, dzo (a cattle-yak hybrid), horses, and mules, for multifaceted purposes including subsistence farming, which relies on livestock for manure fertilizers.
These livestock share the habitat with wildlife including ungulates and carnivores. Human-carnivore conflict occurs over livestock depredation, causing a financial burden to rural households. Additionally, livestock grazing and competition for fodder are considered one of the factors responsible for ungulate declines, consequently intensifying the local reliance of wild carnivores on livestock as a supplementary food source.
Working with Rinzin Lama, Liam McLinda'25 and Kate Marston'25 will deploy a semi-structured survey among the full-time herders in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The survey will be analyzed to asses the status of human-carnivore conflict and herder’s attitude and perceptions about conflict mitigation and carnivore conservation.
The research contributes to ongoing efforts to actively involve local communities in the implementation of conservation strategies and human-wildlife conflict mitigation initiatives.
