Nepal Faces Rising Human Wildlife Conflict as Successful Conservation Efforts Drive Surge in Mega-Fauna Populations

Explore how Nepal is managing a surge in human-wildlife conflict as rhino and tiger numbers grow, and the efforts being made to ensure safe coexistence.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 6:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Guardian

Urban Rhinoceros Encounters in Sauraha

The intersection of urban development and wild habitats has reached a critical point in the Nepali village of Sauraha, where wild Indian rhinoceroses are now frequenting main thoroughfares. In recent incidents, megafauna have been observed strolling past hotels and through gardens, often navigating busy streets filled with tourists and local traffic. While these encounters provide spectacle for visitors, they present a persistent danger to the community. According to reports, hotel managers have had to resort to using strobe torches to steer the nearly 2,000-kilogram animals away from guest areas and back toward the safety of the dark footpaths that border the town.

The Price of Conservation Success

The current surge in human-wildlife conflict is an unintended consequence of Nepal’s highly effective anti-poaching and habitat restoration initiatives. In the early 1970s, the rhinoceros population had dwindled to approximately 100 individuals, but joint efforts by the national parks and local communities have increased that number sevenfold. Today, nearly 700 rhinos live in and around Chitwan National Park. This population density, combined with a rising number of tigers and gharials, has forced animals to venture further into community forests and buffer zones, leading to eleven fatalities in 2024 alone.

Vulnerability in Traditional Forest Activities

Women remain the most vulnerable demographic in these encounters due to traditional societal roles that require frequent entry into the forest. According to Doma Paudel, founder of the Wildlife Victim Fund, women are primarily responsible for gathering firewood, wild herbs, and animal fodder, placing them in the direct path of leopards, bears, and rhinos. Paudel, who lost her own mother to a rhinoceros attack in 2004, has launched immersive workshops to teach environmentalists and villagers how to respond during these high-stress meetings. These strategies often involve roleplaying to prepare both children and adults for the sudden appearance of a predator.