PARK-PEOPLE RELATIONSHIPS - THE CASE OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY PARK ANIMALS AROUND THE ROYAL-BARDIA-NATIONAL-PARK, NEPAL

Crop damage and livestock predation were a serious problem in three Village Development Committees (VDCs) situated adjacent to the Southwestern Part of the Royal Bardia National Park. The seriousness of crop and livestock losses varied considerably with the distance from the Park's border and the specific location of farms. This was explained by the variations in the distribution of animal wildlife inside the Park, the presence of natural and Man-made barriers, the availability of forested areas outside the Park, and the agricultural cropping pattern. Adjacent to the section of the Park with the highest animal densities, crop losses varied from 47% for Lentil to 24% for Wheat. Farther away, the extent of crop losses was reduced. In the 'Far' zone situated 2-8 km from the Park, only 3% of the Paddy was reported lost. Two wildlife species, Chital and Wild Boar, were responsible for roughly half of the total damage to crops by animals. Damage from a newly-introduced population of Rhinoceros unicornis was increasing, with Paddy (Rice) and Lentil the crops most affected by that species. The economic value of livestock li,ss to wild predators was estimated to be two percent of the value of total crop losses. The estimated value of grasses harvested by local villagers inside the Park, seen as 'compensation' for crop losses and denial of access to traditional resources, constituted only 10% of the total economic loss from crop losses and livestock predation. Due to rapid increase in the population of wild ungulates since the establishment of the National Park, and to the lack of functioning protective measures, the farmers' problems were increasing. The reintroduction of Rhinos, translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park, has further increased the problem. Local villagers so far have a positive attitude towards the Park, but this positive attitude may erode soon unless serious action is taken to reduce the problems of crop damage and livestock predation in the area.