Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In Nepal, common wild animals outside of protected areas are under the same legal protection as
rare or red-listed species. Meanwhile, monkeys, porcupines, deer, leopards and wild boars are
causing extensive damage on crops and livestock, threatening the livelihoods of people depending
on subsistence farming. This thesis presents an analysis of human-wildlife conflicts in the mid-hill
districts of Nepal, using concepts within the field of political ecology. By examining key actor’s
understandings of causes and possible solutions to the conflicts, the study highlights that the
perspectives and knowledge systems of actors oriented towards conservation dominates in processes
of policy-making, while there is little space for local voices and insufficient intersectoral
collaboration. The strict protection of all species means that conservation is prioritized over the
needs of local livelihoods. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the wildlife systems
outside of protected areas in Nepal, and the management of common species is without objectives.
Therefore, the thesis emphasizes the importance of adopting a more nuanced approach to wildlife
management that balance the needs of both people and wildlife.