Contribution of Buffer Zone Programs to Reduce Human-Wildlife Impacts: the Case of the Chitwan National Park, Nepal

• DOI: 10.1007/s10745-019-0054-y
• Publication Date: 2019-01-31T15:04:50Z
• Authors: Babu Ram Lamichhane; Gerard A. Persoon; Herwig Leirs; Shashank Poudel; Naresh Subedi; Chiranjibi Prasad...; Santosh Bhattarai; Pabitra Gotame; Rama Mishra; Hans H. de Iongh
• Keywords: Buffer zone; Human–wildlife conflict

Buffer zones around parks/reserves are designed to maintain ecological integrity and ensure community participation in biodiversity conservation. We studied the fund utilization pattern of buffer zone programs, mitigation measures practiced, attitudes residents programs Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The committees spent only a small portion (13.7%) their budget direct interventions reduce wildlife impacts. Human-wildlife conflicts were inversely related investment for conflict prevention mitigation. Peoples' towards conservation largely positive. Most people aware but not satisfied with current practices. recommend that funds be concentrated into (prevention mitigation) conflicts. Our findings will helpful prioritizing distribution parks reserves.