Spatio-temporal assessment of human-wolf conflict in the periphery of Deosai National Park, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20003436Keywords:
Livestock depredation, Non-invasive sampling, carnivore diet, human-carnivore coexistenceAbstract
Apex predators, such as wolf (Canis lupus), play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. In Pakistan, two wolf subspecies, Canis lupus pallipes (Indian grey wolf) and Canis lupus chanco (Tibetan wolf), inhabit diverse landscapes. Despite their ecological importance, limited information exists regarding their ecology, dietary preferences, and conflicts with anthropoids in Deosai National Park, one of the largest national parks, and its surrounding areas. This study, conducted from June 2022 to December 2023, investigates the extent and prevalence of human-wolf conflicts, as well as their causes and consequences. Data collection involved structured questionnaires (n = 350 respondents) and scat sampling (112 samples from 85 locations). Human-wolf conflict was biologically assessed using scat analysis, a widely used non-invasive method for carnivore diet studies, involving 112 samples from 85 locations. The analysis revealed predation on 12 prey species, including domestic and wild animals. Domestic species constituted 52.85% of the wolf's diet, with Ovis aries (sheep) being the most consumed. Factors contributing to increased conflict levels included habitat destruction, wolf population growth, and depletion of natural wild prey. This study shows that livestock depredation by wolves ignites human-wolf conflict, which prejudices conservation efforts. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human-wolf conflict in Deosai National Park and highlight the need for informed conservation efforts and sustainable coexistence strategies to protect both wolf populations and local livelihoods.
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