Livestock Depredation, Human Casualties, and Conservation Hostility: A Socio-Economic Analysis of Human-Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) Conflict in Community Forests of Arghakhanchi, Nepal

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict inflicts serious socio-economic damage on rural communities living near forests. This study examined the socio-economic impact of human-common leopard (Panthera pardus) conflict in community forests of Arghakhanchi district, Nepal. A case-control design was used, with structured questionnaire surveys of 120 households (25 victim-family cases, 95 non-victim controls), key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data from the Divisional Forest Office (DFO) were used. Over nine years, 31 victims were recorded, of whom 25 were killed or wounded by leopard attacks. Goats (32%) were the most depredated livestock, followed by sheep (30%), chicken (25%), and buffalo (11%). Government compensation was reported as inadequate and procedurally complex, and 70% of respondents believed leopards should not be conserved. With 88% of households having no fencing, communities remain highly vulnerable. The study recommends revised compensation mechanisms, subsidized livestock protection measures, and stronger community involvement in conflict management.