When, where and whom: assessing wildlife attacks on people in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A significant portion of wildlife attacks on people in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, occurs outside the protected area, with 89% of incidents recorded between 2003 and 2013 happening beyond its boundaries. These attacks are unevenly distributed across seasons and months, predominantly occurring during the day, particularly in the morning. Rhinos (38%), tigers (21%), sloth bears (18%), elephants (9%), and wild boar (8%) were the primary perpetrators. Victims were mostly male, engaged in resource collection or farming, and lacked knowledge of animal behavior. The study used data from stakeholders, field observations, and surveys to identify key correlates such as site, season, time, activity, gender, and awareness. Mitigation strategies are recommended, including habitat management within the Park and raising public awareness about wildlife behavior, along with forming a participatory emergency rescue team for high-risk areas.

Silwal, T., Kolejka, J., Bhatta, B. P., Rayamajhi, S., Sharma, R. P., & Poudel, B. S. (2016). When, where and whom: assessing wildlife attacks on people in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Oryx, 51(2), 370–377. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605315001489