Editorial | Preventable human deaths from conflict with wildlife
Summary
The recent attack by a wild elephant named Dhurbe in Chitwan that claimed the lives of Ashika Bote and her son highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflicts in Nepal, driven by habitat loss and policy failures.
Key Points
- A wild elephant named Dhurbe in Chitwan has killed 25 people since 2010, including Ashika Bote and her son.
- Human-wildlife conflicts are increasing in Nepal with over 12,000 wildlife attacks reported between 2021-2022, resulting in 58 deaths.
- Habitat loss, fragmentation, and encroachment have pushed elephants into human settlements, worsening conflicts.
- Measures like electric fencing and satellite tracking of problematic animals exist but remain insufficient without restoring forest corridors and engaging communities.
