Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict: Innovative Strategies for Managing Nilgai Crop Depredation

Abstract

Madhesh province which is known as granary of Nepal though being fertile, it faces different challenges in agriculture. Wildlife interference with agricultural crops is one of them. Nilgai (Ghorgadha) is one of them highly prevalent in the agricultural field near the bank of the rivers like Kamla, Balan, Ratu, Lakhandehi etc. Farmers report substantial losses across various crops due to Nilgai grazing at Night and Trampling smaller plants, leading many to abandon farming altogether. Despite pressing nature of this issue, effective management strategies from local and provincial authorities remain inadequate. Community-Based innovations have emerged as potential solutions, Including the use of scarecrows, Lighting bulbs, alarm system made from tin cans, nylon net barriers and dung slurry to deter Nilgai. These strategies aim to protect crops while fostering a collaborative approach among wildlife management authorities and local communities. The balanced approach of not only aims to minimize crop damage but also supports biodiversity conservation and promotes harmonious coexistence between wildlife and agricultural activities.

Introduction

Madhesh Province, often referred as the “granary” of Nepal, is characterized by its fertile plains and agricultural potential. However, the region faces significant challenges, particularly from wildlife, notably the Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) also known as “Ghorgadha”, which has become a major threat to local crops which are near the bank of   rivers Kamala, Ghurmi, Balan, Lakhandehi, Ratu etc (NFGF, 2022). The cultivable land spans approximately 65,810 hectares, yet many farmers struggle with low productivity and resilience against wildlife threats. The increasing damage caused by Nilgai and other wild animals has led to a concerning trend: annual crop damage has escalated from 2,000-4,000 hectares to 16000 hectares in just few years (NFGF, 2022).

Figure 1: Nilgai (Ghorgadha)

 (Source: Google)

How Nilgai (Ghorgadha) devastated local agricultural crops in Madhesh province?

Figure 2: Grazing damage in standing crops in Siraha District     

      (Source: National Farmers Group Federation-NFGF)

 Figure 3: Trampling damage caused by Nilgai in Sarlahi District

Nilgai are known for their voracious appetite for crops, particularly during nighttime when they invade fields. Farmers in madhesh province report extensive losses across various crops, including vegetables, legumes and cash crops. Some incidents have also been documented where farmers lost entire harvest just before market due to Nilgai infestation. They graze the agricultural field in a group i.e. at least 2-3 at a time. Besides grazing, they also severely damage smaller crops by trampling and uprooting This has resulted in the discouragement among farmers, leading many to abandon crop cultivation. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of effective management strategies from local and provincial governments. Despite the growing harm caused by Nilgai and other wildlife like wild boars and monkeys, farmers feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed.

What are the community-based approaches initiated in Madhesh province?

Given the increasing conflict between humans and wildlife, community-based management strategies have emerged as a potential solution. Some low-cost local innovations are practiced at the community level.

1.Scarecrows: As Nilgai avoid areas where they perceive a human threat. Scarecrows are made as visual repellant to mimic human. Some practices are also initiated to change their position and appearance regularly to avoid adaptations by Nilgai

Figure 4: Scarecrow made in Mahottari District

2.Lighting Bulbs: Several lighting bulbs are installed in the field to deter Nilgai as they can only graze and damage agricultural crops in the dark.

3.Tin’s Alarm Bell: Oil’s empty tin containers are tied with rope and thus prepared alarms are directly connected to the bed of the caretaker. The alarms are ring at certain interval in the night thus deterring Nilgai from approaching crops in an effective way by creating loud noise when triggered. The sudden sound act as an unexpected threat, making the area less appealing for foraging.

Figure 5: Artificial tin bells made by a local farmer at Nawalpur, sarlahi

4. Nylon Net bars: Nylon Net bars have provided almost complete protection against Nilgai, making them one of the most promising physical deterrents available. They can effectively shield crops during vulnerable crop growth stages, preventing access by these animals without requiring constant monitoring or intervention

Figure 6: Nylon Net bars set by a local farmer in paddy field in Siraha District

5.Dung slurry: Cow/Buffalo dung slurry has a string smell that can acted as a natural repellent. Sprinkling a slurry around crops helps in masking the scent of the crops themselves, making them less appealing to Nilgai, which rely on their sense of smell to locate food.

Figure 7: Dung slurry applied on banana plant to avoid Nilgai feeding in Sarlahi District

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing nilgai populations to protect agrobiodiversity requires a comprehensive approach that integrates physical barriers, repellants, community involvement and sustainable agricultural practices. By fostering collaboration between wildlife management authorities, agricultural stakeholders, and local communities, it is possible to develop effective strategies that minimizes crop damage while respecting the ecological role of Nilgai. This balanced approach not only safeguards agricultural productivity but also promotes biodiversity conservation in the long run ensuring a harmonious   coexistence between wildlife and agriculture.