Livestock predation by carnivores in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

摘要: Abstract Villages in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, central Bhutan, report livestock depredation by wild carnivores including leopard ( Panthera pardus ), tiger tigris Himalayan black bear Ursus thibettanus and dhole Cuon alpinus ). In a survey of 274 households six different geog s (sub-districts) within the park, 21.2% surveyed reported losses total 2.3% their domestic animals to predators over 12 months. This loss equated an average annual financial equal 17% (US$ 44.72) per-capita cash income. Total during 2000 amounted US$ 12,252, which kills accounted for 82% 10,047). Annual mean per household (of those that loss) was 1.29 head stock, equating more than two-thirds income $250. Lax herding, inadequate guarding practices, overgrazing may have contributed losses. Approximately 60% lacked proper stables corralling at night there significant correlation between number lost distance grazing pasture. Overall, predation rates increased since inception park 1993 implementation Forest Nature Conservation Act 1995, prioritises some Bhutan’s key conservation. We propose intensification programmes, pasture improvement, compensation as short-term measures reduce conflict people predators. long-term, we recommend feasibility insurance scheme should be tested, possibility relaxing resource use restrictions 1995 explored, farmers involved managing human–wildlife conflicts – particularly through improving own herding building facilities adopting reliable procedures.