Challenges to Wildlife Conservation Posed by Hunting in Non-protected Areas North of the Bardia National Park

Abstract

The hunting of wildlife for subsistence and trade is a serious threat to conservation. It is widespread in the non-protected areas. However, there is no understanding of the nature and trends in hunting and their consequences for ­protected areas. The nature and scale of hunting north of the Bardia National Park were assessed to determine the spatial variations in hunting intensity. Focal group discussions with forest user groups and transect surveys were used to determine the abundance of wildlife. Detailed interviews with hunters were used to explore their hunting patterns. Apart from the information obtained from the interviews, encounters with hunting teams, hunting signs and information from herders were used to identify hunting sites. Hunting is widespread throughout the region, but the intensity of hunting is greater close to the northern edge of the national park, which is associated with the relative abundance there of wildlife. Hunting along the immediate periphery of the national park is increasing. The hunting of common and ­protected species suggests that it is both for subsistence and trade, which could severely deplete the wild animals in the forests and consequently affect the protected area. Hence, it is necessary to legalize community-based monitoring by ­forest users groups and establish effective government supervision.