Volume 24, Issue 73, January - June, 2023

Mitigation Techniques to Reduce Human Leopard Conflicts in Jhalana Conservation Reserve and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Joy Gardner¹, Deepanjali Gardner², Suraj Kumar Singh³, Shruti Kanga^4♦

¹Wildlife Biologist, Hope and Beyond, Jaipur-302019, Rajasthan, India
²Director-Wildlife, Hope and Beyond, Jaipur-302019, Rajasthan, India
³Centre for Sustainable Development, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur 302017, India
⁴Department of Geography, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Central University, Punjab-151401, India

^♦Corresponding author
Department of Geography, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Central University, Punjab-151401, India

ABSTRACT

Human-leopard conflicts pose a significant conservation challenge for the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) population in Jhalana Conservation Reserve and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This subspecies is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching and conflicts arising from human-leopard interactions. This study aims to explore mitigation techniques to reduce human-leopard conflicts in these two protected areas. The research combines literature review, field observations and stakeholder consultations to identify effective strategies. The findings highlight key factors contributing to conflicts, including habitat encroachment, livestock depredation and fear among local communities. Promising mitigation measures such as habitat restoration, improved livestock management and community awareness programs are discussed.

Keywords: Indian leopard, Panthera pardus fusca, human-leopard conflicts, mitigation techniques, Jhalana Conservation Reserve, Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, habitat loss, livestock depredation, community awareness

Species, 2023, 24(73), e53s1552

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v24i73/e53s1552

Published: 18 June 2023