Patterns and predictors of human-sloth bear conflict in Nepal: Implications for coexistence in unprotected forest landscapes

Human-sloth bear conflict is common throughout most areas where sloth bears co-occur with humans. Altercations are more prevalent in multi-use forest landscapes outside protected areas. Although sloth bears are a conflict-prone species in Nepal, there is a clear lack of systematic studies that can inform human safety and conflict mitigation. We used data from questionnaire-based interviews with conflict-affected people and witnesses to provide detailed information about human-sloth bear conflict. The data was collected between 1990–2021 in the Trijuga forest, an important sloth bear stronghold outside protected areas in Nepal. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. Within in this time period, 66 conflict incidents involving 69 human individuals were recorded, with an annual average of 2.06 (SD = 1.48) incidents and 1.75 (SD = 1.34) attacks. Conflicts primarily impacted working-aged group men (25–55 years old), whose primary occupation was farming and who frequented the forest regularly. They typically occurred between 0900 and 1500, inside forests, and in habitats with poor land cover visibility. Poor visibility was also a significant positive determinant of bear attacks on humans. Fifty-six conflict incidents resulted in attacks that injured 59 people, with a fatality rate of 8.47%. Victims of bear attacks frequently had serious injuries, especially to the head and neck areas of the body. Serious injuries were more likely to occur to lone individuals than to people who were in groups of two or more. We suggest the identification of conflict-risk habitats through a participatory mapping approach and education programs for local communities to enhance effective human-sloth bear conflict management in Nepal’s unprotected forests.