Bardiya tests synthetic scent barriers to deter big cats from settlements
Summary
Conservation authorities in Bardiya are testing synthetic scent barriers mimicking tiger urine to repel leopards and tigers from settlements and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Key Points
- Bardiya authorities are testing synthetic chemical scents mimicking tiger urine to deter leopards and tigers from human settlements in the Khata Bio-corridor.
- Rising wildlife attacks in Bardiya have caused 11 human deaths and multiple injuries since mid-July 2025, with leopards responsible for the majority.
- Initial trials identified five chemical compounds effective in repelling leopards and wild boars, now undergoing a four-month retesting phase.
- If successful, the scent barrier could provide a cost-effective way to prevent predators from entering villages along the Bardiya National Park and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary border.
