Assessing wildlife-induced challenges in livelihoods and natural resource management : a case study of Pokhara, Nepal | |
| Author | Bhattarai, Asmita |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-25-07 |
| Subject(s) | Wildlife management--Nepal Human-animal relationships--Nepal Natural resources--Thailand--Management |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a growing issue where human settlements and wildlife habitats overlap, leading to economic loss, safety risks, property damage, and conservation challenges. While much global literature emphasizes large mammal conflicts, less attention has been given to primate-related conflicts, an emerging concern in South Asia. In Nepal’s Pokhara region, rising encounters with Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis), and Himalayan Gray langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus) have intensified, impacting both livelihoods and local resource management. This study used a mixed-method approach. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with community leaders, a forest officer, a ward chairperson, and a zoology expert, alongside focus group discussions with residents. Quantitative data were gathered by surveying 200 households to assess monkey-related conflicts' frequency, severity, and socio-economic impact. The data analysis incorporated both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis to extract key patterns and recurring themes. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics, the Weighted Average Index (WAI) method, chi-square tests, Spearman's rank correlation, H-test, and regression analyses. Findings revealed that Rhesus macaques accounted for 96.5% of incidents, Himalayan Gray langurs (47.0%) and Assamese macaques (23.0%). Over half (58.0%) reported daily encounters, with conflict intensity peaking in June. Impacts included crop damage, financial loss, stress, anxiety, and fear of zoonotic diseases. Nearly 48% had abandoned land or crops, while 43.5% adjusted planting schedules to cope. 39.5% of respondents rated slingshots, stones, and loud sounds as "extremely effective" mitigation methods, whereas physical barriers were largely ineffective. Community preferences favoured monkey population control (31.5%) and planting fruit trees in forests (29.5%) to divert primates from farms. The study concludes that forest-adjacent communities face the worst impacts, and current interventions are insufficient. Policy recommendations include structured monkey population management, insurance support for affected farmers, and community-based conservation initiatives, aligning with local adaptive behaviours and promoting sustainable human-wildlife coexistence. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.;Yaseen, Muhammad |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |