Pathak, A., Lamichhane, S., Dhakal, M., Karki, A., Dhakal, B. D., Chetri, M., Mintz, J., Pun, P., Neupane, P., Dahal, T. P., Rayamajhi, T., Paudel, P., Thapa, A., Regmi, P. R., Thami, S., Thapa, G., Khanal, S., Lama, S., Karki, J., Khanal, S., Ferdin, A. E. J. (2024). Human-wildlife conflict at high altitude: A case from Gaurishankar conservation area, Nepal. Ecology and Evolution, 14(e11685), 1–9.
Abstract: Human–wildlife conflict studies of high-altitude areas are rare due to budget constraints and the challenging nature of research in these remote environments. This study investigates the prevalence and increasing trend of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) in the mountainous Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) of Nepal, with a specific focus on leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger). The study analyzes a decade of HWC reports and identifies goats as the livestock most targeted by leopards. The Dolakha district of GCA received the highest number of reports, highlighting the need for mitigation measures in the area. In GCA, livestock attacks accounted for 85% of compensation, with the remaining 15% for human injuries. We estimate that the number of reported wildlife attacks grew on average by 33% per year, with an additional increase of 57 reports per year following the implementation of a new compensation policy during BS 2076 (2019 AD). While bear attacks showed no significant change post-rule alteration, leopard attack reports surged from 1 to 60 annually, indicating improved compensation may have resulted in increased leopard-attack reporting rates. The findings emphasize the economic impact of HWC on local communities and suggest strategies such as increasing prey populations, promoting community education and awareness, enhancing alternative livelihood options, developing community-based insurance programs, and implementing secure enclosures (corrals) to minimize conflicts and foster harmonious coexistence. This research addresses a knowledge gap in HWC in high- altitude conservation areas like the GCA, providing valuable insights for conservation stakeholders and contributing to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of humans and wildlife.
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Abdunazarov B.B. (1995). A role of the Hissar nature reserve in conservation of rare and endangered animals.
Abstract: Two amphibian species, 11 reptiles, 205 bird species (52 percent of which are nesting species) and 32 mammal species were reported to inhabit the Hissar nature reserve. The following rare species were recorded to inhabit the nature reserve: Tien Shan brown bear, Central Asian otter, Turkistan lynx, snow leopard, black stork, golden eagle, bearded vulture, black vulture, Himalayan griffon, saker falcon, and Central Asian cobra.
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Abramov V.K. (1974). Ecological basis of the conservation of large predators in USSR (Vol. Vol.I.).
Abstract: Problems of conservation of large predators (Felis tigris L., Panthera pardus L., Felis uncia Schreb., Acinonyx jubatus Schreb., Hyaena h¢…†n… L., Cuon alpinus Pall., Ursus maritimus Phipps, U.tibetanus Cuv.) inhabiting territory of USSR are discussed.
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Abzalov A.A. (1974). Game management development.
Abstract: An issue of wildlife conservation in game preserves, forestries, and sanctuaries is discussed. In some regions of Uzbekistan there are various protected wildlife areas preserving unique and game species: marchor in the Kugitan hunting farm, Bukhara deer the Bukhara region, bear and snow leopard, argali, ibex, wild-boars, snow-cock, partridge, eagle, etc. in the Miraki hunting farm, pheasants in the Karadara forestry. To restore and upgrade the game management level in the country it is required to properly create game preserves, enlarge reproduction activity, strictly follow rules and terms of hunting and cultivate careful and solicitous attitude to wildlife and its resources in all hunters.
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Abzalov A.A. (1976). Principles of the nature reserve establishment in Uzbekistan.
Abstract: It provides a brief description of nature reserves network in Uzbekistan: Karakul and Vardanza (in desert); Chatkal, Zaamin, Nurata, and Kyzylsu (in mountains); Aralpaigambar, Kyzylkum, Badaitugai, Zeravshan (riverine forests). Snow leopard is protected in the Chatkal, Zaamin, and Kizilsu nature reserves.
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Aizin B.M. (1969). Siberian ibex Capra sibirica Pall.
Abstract: It describes status of ibex in Kyrgyzstan, its distribution, behavioral patterns, enemies and competitors, etc. The enemies of ibex are snow leopard and wolf. All year round snow leopard preys on ibex its main food object and, therefore, should there be ibexes, snow leopards would be somewhere around. In winter, a considerable number of ibex dies from wolves. Sometimes dogs prey on ibex, too. Golden eagles and bearded vultures prey on young ibexes. However, poachers remain the most dangerous enemy.
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Aizin B.M. (1974). Distribution, number and seasonal behavioral patterns of Panthera uncia Scheber in Kyrgyzstan (Vol. Vol. 1.).
Abstract: In Kyrgyzstan, snow leopard can be met almost in all mountain ridges (Kok-Kiya, Atbasha, Kyrgyz, Terskey, Kungei, Talas, Chatkal, Alai, Zaalai), where it keeps to alpine meadow, woodless rock and snowfield zones. The number of snow leopard does not exceed 1,500 animals. Seven to 10 animals are annually caught for the needs of zoo-export.
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Aizin B.M. (1979). Rare predatory mammal species and their protection in Kyrgyzstan.
Abstract: Snow leopard is met in all mountain ridges in Kyrgyzstan. Every year 7 10 animals are caught for the purpose of zoo export. Total population of snow leopard in the country does not exceed 1,400 animals.
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Aizin B.M. (1985). Snow leopard.
Abstract: Snow leopard is a rare and endangered species, distributed in all mountain ridges of Kyrgyzstan. Its population is 1,400 animals, density being 0.2 0.5 animal per 1,000 ha. Its population was noticed to decrease in some ridges because of decreasing populations of mountain ungulates. 200 snow leopards were caught for the purpose of zoo-export over the last 20 years. This species is protected in the nature reserves Sary Chelek, Besh Aral, and natural park Ala Archa.
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Akimushkin I. (1988). Snow leopard or irbis.
Abstract: Snow leopard behavioral patterns, food preferences, and reproduction are described in a popular way. The population of snow leopard is defined to be 1,000 animals. A reason for the population decline is hunting for the sake of beautiful fur.
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