The Burning Issues of Conflict: A Case Study of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park (CNP) is one of the major destinations of tourists because it comprises various wild animals that are of great concern like one horned rhinoceros and tiger. However, the Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) has become the burning issues since long time which has made a gap between local people and wildlife conservation. This has severely affected the conservation efforts because without support/ positive opinion and attitude of local people, the conservation of wildlife fails. The tug of war between the local people and wildlife has been a huge concern. Besides poaching wildlife for benefits, habitat degradation by human encroachment, crop raiding and livestock depredation by wild animals has heightened the conflict. The growth of perennial plant, Mikania micrantha (banmara) has replaced the food of wild animals these days which seems to be the upcoming issues in future. Therefore, it is very necessary to list out the ongoing issues of conflict and other problems associated and should be considered seriously to make the conservation goals effective.