Awareness Generation to Mitigate Human Leopard Conflict in Baitadi District of Nepal

Kedar Baral

Reduce human leopard conflict, decrease casualties of local people and their livestock and motivate local people in conservation of biodiversity.

19414-1 Students observing  Posters and pamphlets.jpg

Baitadi, a remote district of Nepal is under worst situation of human leopard conflict where 20 people have been killed and 8 injured by leopard during last 4 years. Out of total killed, 90 % were aged below 15 years. This figure shows that children are the most vulnerable of leopard attack. In retaliatory operation, local people killed 5 leopards in same period. So, both man and leopard are under the devastating threat in this district from last few years. There are no scientific studies carried out till date about the causes of leopard attack and potential mitigation measures for future. However, it is assumed that habitat degradation and fragmentation, over hunting of prey species are major causes compelling leopard entering into the human settlement to search the food. Low level of awareness at local level about the habit and habitat requirements of leopard is an underlying cause of this detrimental situation. So it is decided to carry out following awareness generation activities especially targeted to the school children and forest dwellers so that both man and leopard do not harm each other in future.

• Three field level workshops of one day each will be organized in Bishalpur, Amchour and Pancheswor Villags to Community Forest (CF) members especially targeted to women.

• Six awareness classes will be organized at local schools to aware school students.

• Awareness material (color pamphlet and posters) will be designed, produced and distributed in the villages, schools etc. in the affected area.

• Awareness / precautionary messages will be aired through the local FM radio.

These activities will train local people and school students about habitat requirements, food habit, prey species and mating season of leopard. This information will help CF members to restore the leopard habitat, protect prey species which will prevent leopard entering into human settlement. People will know the common behaviours of the leopard so that they become more aware and take appropriate precautions. Activities targeted to students will educate them about the ecosystem, food chain and role of every component, necessity of conservation of leopard and its prey species to protect ourselves. Such knowledge will motivate them in biodiversity conservation activities.

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