Patterns of crop rading by wild ungulates and elephants in Ramnagar Forest Division, Uttarakhand

Crop raiding is a major form of human–wildlife conflict that not only affects livelihoods of farmers living close to forest areas but also jeopardizes the objective of wildlife conservation. In this study, we report patterns associated with crop raiding based on periodic fi eld inspections of 95 crop fields spread across 16 villages in India. Average raided area of the fi eld was highest in seedling stage (21%). Fields closer to the forest edge incurred higher damage in the seedling (22%) and mature stages (7%) than fields farther from the forest edge, although this was not statistically significant. Guarding was found to be ineffective in decreasing crop raiding, with no statistical difference in the mean area of damage between guarded and unguarded fields. Cheetal (Axis axis), sambar (Rusa unicolor), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), and wild pig (Sus scrofa) were the main raiders in fields close to the forest edge whereas nilgai and wild pig were chief raiders in fields farther from the forest edge. Results of this study suggest that in the study area, wild pig and nilgai are more problematic species than elephants (Elephas maximus), which are reported to cause the most damage in other landscapes

Patterns of livestock depredation by tiger (<i>Panthera tigris</i>) and leopard (<i>Panthera pardus</i>) in and around Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India

<div><p>India with estimated more than 2000 tigers (across 18 states) accounts for more than half of the remaining tigers across its range countries. Long-term conservation requires measures to protect the large carnivores and its prey base beyond the Protect Areas. The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and adjoining forest divisions with high density of tigers play a crucial role in conservation of tiger in Uttarakhand state as well as the Terai-Arc Landscape. However, CTR is surrounded with multiple-use forest (forest divisions), agriculture land, human habitation, townships and developmental projects. The movement of large carnivores and other wildlife through such habitats adds to the chances of human-wildlife conflict. The aim of the current study was to understand the patterns of livestock depredation by tigers and leopards in and around CTR. We examined a total of 8365 incidents of livestock depredation between 2006 and 2015 with tigers killing more livestock in a year (573.3±41.2) than leopards (263.2±9.9). Geographically, in north zone of CTR leopards were the major livestock predator (166.6±11), whereas tigers (547.7±40.1) in south zone. Examination of livestock kills indicated cows (75%) as the main victim, followed by buffaloes and other species. Analysis revealed that the livestock depredation by tigers varied significantly among seasons in south zone but not in north zone. However, such an explicit seasonal variation was not observed for leopards in north and south zone of CTR. Hotspots of livestock predation were identified around CTR. Addressing a conflict situation in a time-bound manner, timely disbursement of ex-gratia payment, involving locals at various tourism related activities and consistent rapport building initiatives are required to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict.</p></div

Locations of livestock depredation by the tigers and leopards in and around CTR.

<p>Locations of livestock depredation by the tigers and leopards in and around CTR.</p

Seasonal variation in livestock depredation by tigers and leopards in north and south zone of CTR during 2006–2015.

<p>Seasonal variation in livestock depredation by tigers and leopards in north and south zone of CTR during 2006–2015.</p

Map of the study area showing Corbett Tiger Reserve and adjoining forest divisions.

<p>Map of the study area showing Corbett Tiger Reserve and adjoining forest divisions.</p

Livestock depredation by tigers and leopards in north and south zone of CTR during 2006–2015.

<p>Livestock depredation by tigers and leopards in north and south zone of CTR during 2006–2015.</p