Introduction
Human–wildlife interaction refers to the contact and conflict that occur when people and wild animals live in close proximity. In Nepal, communities surrounding protected areas such as Chitwan National Park frequently share landscapes with wildlife including elephants, rhinoceroses, deer, and wild boars. These animals often enter farms and settlements in buffer zones, leading to crop damage, livestock loss, and threats to human safety (Dangol et al., 2020; Dhakal, 2020).
At the same time, wildlife generates important benefits through tourism, conservation-related employment, and ecological balance, contributing to local livelihoods. Because human–wildlife interaction produces both costs and benefits, it is essential to study these dynamics to identify ways to promote peaceful coexistence, particularly in buffer zone communities such as Kasara.
Background of the Study
Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s most significant conservation areas and provides habitat for endangered species including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Asian elephant. The buffer zone was established to reduce pressure on the park’s core area while supporting nearby communities through controlled resource use and benefit-sharing programs (Dhakal, 2020).
Residents of buffer zone communities like Kasara depend primarily on agriculture, livestock rearing, and tourism. Because farms and settlements are located close to forests and grasslands, wildlife frequently enters human areas in search of food and water. This proximity increases incidents of crop destruction, livestock loss, and dangerous encounters, often leading to negative attitudes toward wildlife and conservation efforts (Dangol et al., 2020). Understanding local patterns of interaction, loss, and benefit is therefore essential for improving conflict management and sustaining community support for conservation.
Objectives of the Study
- To understand the types of human–wildlife interaction in Kasara
- To identify the main problem animals
- To assess community awareness and attitudes toward wildlife
Findings from the Community Survey
A small community survey was conducted in the Kasara buffer zone to understand local experiences with wildlife. The findings show that most residents recognize wildlife as an important source of income through tourism. Wildlife-based tourism supports hotels, resorts, guides, and other local businesses, and many respondents expressed increased awareness that animals should not be harmed. This suggests growing conservation awareness within the community.
However, respondents also reported serious challenges. Rhinoceroses, elephants, and peacocks (mayur) were identified as the most problematic species. Rhinos and peacocks frequently damage crops such as rice, maize, and vegetables, reducing household food security and income. Elephants were described as the most dangerous animals. Several individual elephants, locally known as Ronaldo, Govinde, and Dhurbe Hatti, were reported to have caused over 100 human deaths combined in the area.
One elderly woman shared her experience of being attacked by an elephant and receiving only NPR 5,000 as compensation, which she felt was inadequate given her injuries and medical expenses. Such cases highlight deep dissatisfaction with existing compensation mechanisms.
Local Coping Practices and Community Response
Communities in the Kasara buffer zone use various traditional methods to protect themselves and their farms. Members of the Tharu community, in particular, actively participate in group protection efforts. Common practices include lighting fires (raako), shouting, and banging metal utensils at night to scare animals away from fields and settlements.
While these methods are low-cost and easily accessible, they are often ineffective against large animals such as elephants and rhinos. In some cases, people are injured while attempting to chase wildlife away, increasing risks to human life. This indicates that although communities are making strong efforts to coexist with wildlife, they require safer, more effective support systems from conservation authorities and the government (Dangol et al., 2020; Dhakal, 2020).
Main Problems
The primary challenges faced by the Kasara buffer zone community include crop damage, threats to human life, and inadequate compensation. Rhinos and peacocks cause extensive damage to staple crops, while elephants pose severe risks through attacks and fatalities. Although compensation mechanisms exist, residents report that payments are insufficient and difficult to access, intensifying the suffering of affected households.
Why Wildlife Remains Important
Despite these challenges, community members acknowledge the importance of wildlife for tourism and the local economy. Tourists visit the area to see rhinos, elephants, and birds, generating income for hotels, resorts, guides, and small businesses. Many residents now believe that wildlife should be protected and that humans and animals must coexist in a balanced and sustainable way.
Conclusion and Suggestions
Human–wildlife interaction in Kasara presents both opportunities and challenges. While wildlife supports local livelihoods and brings national pride through conservation success, it also causes significant economic loss and safety risks for local people. To improve coexistence, stronger physical barriers such as fencing, faster and fairer compensation systems, and safer crop- and village-protection methods are necessary. Greater institutional support for buffer zone communities will be essential in fostering a more peaceful and sustainable relationship between humans and wildlife.