Patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and compensation: Insights from Western Ghats protected areas

摘要: Abstract Preventing and mitigating human–wildlife conflicts are a top conservation priority, particularly in India where wildlife high densities of people co-occur. We surveyed 1972 households from 1371 villages 7449-km2 area surrounding five reserves the Western Ghats. Our observational study modeled self-reported crop livestock loss compensation access by households. Crop was reported 64% associated with growing cotton, sugarcane, coffee rice. Livestock 15% households, grazing animals inside reserves. Losses incurred varied across reserves, averaging INR Rs 23,010 for 5423 loss. Compensation receipt 31% reporting to authorities elephant related incidents. Overall, landscape estimated probability 0.91, 0.19 0.29. Common mitigation measures protection were night watching (46%), fencing (34%) scare devices (34%); closer watch on (7%), guard (3%) (2%). Among 13 measures, no individual measure appeared be lowering or Unexpectedly, losses similar all higher identified conflict hot spots influential factors improve current management efforts directed at prevention mitigation, this approach is extendable other human-dominated rich landscapes.