Patterns and Drivers of Livestock Depredation in Human-Wildlife Conflict Zones: A Case Study from Valmiki Tiger Reserve, India

Abstract

This study investigates the extent, patterns, and socio-economic impacts of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in and around the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), India, through household surveys conducted across 92 villages (n = 428). Results reveal that 94.85% of respondents reported experiencing wildlife-induced challenges, with agriculture (95.32%) being the primary livelihood, often supplemented by livestock rearing. Livestock depredation was reported by 74.14% of households, with leopards (Panthera pardus) and tigers (Panthera tigris) responsible for most cattle and buffalo losses, while wolves (Canis lupus) and wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) primarily targeted goats and poultry. Depredation incidents peaked in winter, followed by the monsoon. Proximity to the reserve significantly influenced perceptions of conflict severity (Mann-Whitney U = 515.34, p = 0.016), with 69.46% viewing HWC as a severe threat. While mitigation strategies such as livestock enclosures, guard dogs, and active guarding are common, they remain insufficient to prevent losses. Incidents of direct human injury were rare (2.46%), indicating that HWC in VTR is predominantly economic in nature. The findings emphasize the urgent need for adaptive conflict mitigation strategies that address both predator conservation and community livelihoods.