Kshitiz Shrestha
Protected areas have stood out as pioneers in biodiversity conservation and are home to flagship species in Nepal. However, new challenges have emerged that impede these conservation efforts. One of the major growing challenges is the development of linear infrastructure cutting through key protected areas. Banke and Bardiya National Parks have been facing significant conservation issues due to wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs), as the East–West Highway slices through essential habitats. In the financial year 2022/23, WVCs accounted for 25% of reported wildlife deaths in the country. This alarming figure highlights concerns over both road safety and wildlife conservation, underscoring the need to prioritise effective wildlife corridors and traffic management strategies in these parks. With these solutions, we can safeguard both high biological diversity and road safety, enabling sustainable coexistence between infrastructure and wildlife.
The project involves identifying WVC hotspots, documenting previous incidents, and conducting spatio-temporal analysis to determine WVC trends. Additionally, it engages local communities to assess their perceptions and understand the current situation, laying the groundwork for targeted conservation campaigns.
Expected outcomes include the maintenance of existing and installation of new wildlife crossing signboards, along with a significant increase in community participation in conservation efforts. Installing informative road signs at hotspot sections of highways will alert travellers and help reduce potential WVCs. A road survey, covering physical characteristics, collision causes, and affected wildlife species, will help determine the most suitable wildlife-friendly infrastructure to facilitate safe animal crossings. This information will be shared with the relevant park management authorities and the Department of Roads, promoting collaboration among local communities, government agencies, and conservation NGOs. The project also aims to establish a sustainable mechanism for long-term wildlife conservation and road safety.
Ultimately, this project will not only support the conservation of threatened species but also create a comprehensive database of WVC incidents and promote safer roads for both wildlife and human commuters. The long-term goal is to encourage and support relevant authorities in developing a national-level action plan to minimise the frequency of WVCs.