Himalayan Black Bear–Human Conflict (A Case Study from Guthichaur Rural Municipality, Jumla, Nepal)

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) threatens the existence of precious wildlife in nature. This study assesses human–black-bear conflicts in Guthichaur Rural Municipality of Jumla district, Nepal. A household questionnaire survey (n=84), key informants survey (n=5), and focus group discussion (n=8) were conducted to collect the wildlife-conflict information during the period 2009–2019. Results reveal that 85% of the respondents suffered from crop damage in the year 2019. Five people were attacked, and livestock depredation was observed to be 55% during the decade, 2009–2019. The black bear was responsible for livestock depredation, with the most frequently depredated livestock being the cow and ox (70.12%). The depredation was high from April to August due to the transhumance grazing system. Of the total number of attacks on livestock, 94% was found to occur in forest and rangeland; moreover, these attacks occurred at night, constituting about 47% of the total number of events. Local people were supportive of black-bear conservation. This study is aimed at those aware, local communities that support the ecological value of black bears in the environment.