Impacts of Conservation-Led Resettlements in Nepal: Ecological Perspectives

Land, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 14(5), С. 1057 - 1057

Опубликована: Май 13, 2025

The widespread practice of deliberate human displacement for biodiversity conservation remains a contentious issue in the Anthropocene era. This study explores ecological impacts conservation-led resettlement (ER) Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), biodiverse region under significant and development pressures. Although ER aims to enhance integrity, role has been understudied. Using case studies from TAL, we examined indicators vacated settlement areas within parks newly resettled sites outside protected zones. Data were collected through review secondary literature, 240 household interviews, 5 focus group discussions, 25 key informant multiple field visits across sites. Between 1973 2019, TAL gained 922.52 sq. km core (displacing over 4800 households) dispossessed communities 2120.12 buffer zones, significantly expanding upgrading standards IUCN category IV II. contributed recovery species such as tigers, rhinos, elephants. However, resettlements, often located along critical biological corridors led habitat fragmentation, endangering gene pool flow creating isolated habitats. Results show that, general, most ecosystem environmental variables perceived differently (p < 0.05) among area. cultural land-based attachments displaced overlooked. These findings highlight risks short-term planning, which can exacerbate pressures on corridors, escalate human–wildlife conflicts, provide clear indication trade-off between benefits social costs.

Язык: Английский

Spatio-Temporal Trends in Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: Implications for Socio-Ecological Sustainability

Animals, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(10), С. 1478 - 1478

Опубликована: Май 20, 2025

The conservation of biodiversity and the balance between ecological societal needs are critical but often contested global issues. Wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) on vital infrastructure, especially linear remains a persistent challenge from policy to practice poses serious life-threatening implication humans other non-human lives. Addressing this issue effectively requires solutions that provide win-win outcomes both perspectives. This study critically analyzes decade roadkill incidents along Nepal’s longest East-West national highway, which passes through biologically diverse park in western Terai Arc Landscape Area (TAL). Findings drawn field-based primary data collection period 2012–2022, secondary literature review, key informant interviews, spatial analysis. reveals significant variations incidence across areas years. Despite Bardia National Park being larger having higher wildlife density, Banke recorded rates. is attributed insufficient mitigation measures law enforcement, more straight highway segments, absence buffer zones core adjacent forest areas—only road separates them. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) spotted deer (Axis axis), prey Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), were most frequently road-killed species. may contribute human-tiger conflicts, as observed areas. Seasonal trends showed reptiles at risk during wet season mammals winter. Hotspots located near checkpoints water bodies, highlighting need for targeted efforts such crossings provisioning requirements water, grassland, shelter away regular traffic roads. Roadkill frequency was also influenced by cover time day, with occurring dawn dusk when herbivores become active search food, shelter, their herds. findings underscore importance characteristics, animal behavior, landscape features occurrences. Effective strategies include crossings, speed limits, warning signs, public education campaigns. Further research needed understand factors driving parks assess effectiveness measures.

Язык: Английский