Temporal and spatial patterns of human-elephant conflict in Nepal

Type Working Paper
Title Temporal and spatial patterns of human-elephant conflict in Nepal
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
URL http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thomas_Risch/publication/261551760_Temporal_and_spatial_patterns​_of_human-elephant_conflict_in_Nepal/links/0046353497baf603ff000000.pdf
Abstract
This study addresses spatiotemporal patterns of Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Nepal by reviewing available historical records published electronically in 9 daily national newspapers over a 10 year period (2003-2012). Over the past decade, HEC has caused 100 human deaths, 47 serious human injuries, and 615 cases of extensive property damage; additionally, there have been 16 elephant deaths and 6 severe elephant injuries. Data were analyzed using regression and ?2 tests to investigate temporal and spatial patterns of conflict. HEC intensity was highest in the migratory route along the eastern Indo-Nepal border region, and increased across the time period reviewed. HEC is elevated during the winter months, at night, and during the rice harvest season. Human casualties are biased towards males and individuals aged 40-70. Possible mitigation measures recommended specific for Nepal include more effective fencing around protected parks, development of corridors between patchy forests, and reallocation of resources derived from the tourist industry towards conservation initiatives.

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