Large carnivores and humans, along with their livestock, have co-existed for thousands of years. However, human population growth and an increase in economic activities are modifying the landscape... Show moreLarge carnivores and humans, along with their livestock, have co-existed for thousands of years. However, human population growth and an increase in economic activities are modifying the landscape for large carnivores and their prey. I studied the interaction between tiger and leopard in a human dominated landscape around Bardia National Park, Nepal. Due to the increase in number of tigers inside the park leopards may be pushed out of the park, where they become involved in conflicts while there may also be a spill-over of young tigers moving to the buffer zone. Tigers were not directly involved in conflict with people which were found from the presence of prey remains in their scats. Elephants were killing most of the humans whereas leopards were found to kill most of the livestock. For future conservation programs we need to focus on the conservation of tiger and leopard in human dominated landscape. Due to interaction with tigers, the leopards are living in close proximity with people and thereby get more involved in conflicts with local communities. Tigers enjoy a religious and cultural tolerance among the people living in the buffer zone whereas leopards lack such religious and cultural tolerance. Show less
