For reasons of total respect I'm very selective what I write publicly regarding the specific cases which end in tragedy with regard to human-wildlife conflict. The trauma involved, especially in incidents where leopards have taken children, is such that public scrutiny is inappropriate.
In this case the words of Binita are important to share. Binita, from a village area here in the Himalayan foothills in far west Nepal, told of a leopard killed in fear. Up to that point 13 people in her area had been killed in leopard attacks in less than a year and a half. Since the killing of the leopard Binita spoke about, another 9 people have died, as well as eight more in other parts of the district. Most of the victims have been children. It was claimed at one stage that the man-eater was shot but just over four months ago two children were killed in the space of a week.
The leopard killed in Binita's story was buried near a temple as a way of asking the Gods for appeasement. There are elders in the area who believe that the leopard attacks on people were because of a lessening of spirituality, people not being attentive enough to their Hindu faith. In the image you can see the tigers as a figure of worship, the Goddess Durga is often depicted riding a tiger (In India, sometimes a lion). But as I've pointed out several times before, fear can trigger violent reaction and leopards killed in retaliation is often the result, the most recent being just a few days ago. And two days ago, a leopard killed a cow, people are angry and scared, they worry about their children...
In many places in Nepal the word "tiger" can mean any of the great cat species, including the leopard. The relationship of people here in the high country to the land, to nature and to powerful predators is raw and real. "Living with Leopards" in these landscapes is a life very different in truth and perception from the National Parks and wildlife tourism settings.
Right now I can see mountains that are in Nepal, Tibet (China) and India. I look across the hills into the Indian State of Uttarakhand. It is part of what is known as the Sacred Kailash Landscape which is an initiative where the three countries are joining hands to improve the lives of man and beast. Protection of the land and poverty alleviation are fundamental to the future of this remarkable place.
Today marked an agreement with Government authorities for us to help improve the lives of people and leopards in this remote, unforgiving area. I'll bring more details in the mid February update of the "Living with Leopards" concept but the past few days have shown me just how great this challenge will be, the far west of Nepal is a wild place, illegal wildlife trade is a major problem and the most highly affected areas where people have been killed by leopards is a place of extreme poverty.
But we will do our best and I am confident we will improve the situation. Piecing the situation together today with District Forest Officer Prabhat Sapkota, an ally from the days of the rewilding of the leopard Asa, one could feel the quiet determination. It's going to be days of discomfort in tough conditions and dealing with an animal which is by far the most resourceful of the big cats. The leopard is an incredible predator...
I leave tomorrow to make the long journey to Asa territory to check things there (I'll take in a wedding in Pokhara, weddings are fine as long as I'm not the one getting married) as well as help keep things moving with "Tiger Honey" in Bardia. "Leopard Honey" is part of the plan here in Baitaidi but more on that in the update. I'll be back in this area in about three weeks with the necessary equipment.
In the image of protected wildlife in Nepal you'll see the leopard is missing. There are many things which need to change. If we can protect people in a place like this we ultimately protect the leopard but advanced camera trapping strategies, DNA analysis as well as good old fashioned animal tracking are ahead of us to make sure understanding and dealing with these serious conflict leopards produces better outcomes.
This story has a long way to play out. I'm determined that the carnage of people and leopards on both sides of the border is reduced markedly, that co-existence with more safety for all parties can mean a better life. A species is at risk, that alone is enough motivation but the fact that it is the remarkable wild animal that is the leopard, drives me hard as does my respect for the people living with this great cat...
Humans and wildlife share space in different ways from ever before. Co-existence will always have challenges, I thank those who are helping as we face those challenges. Cheers Jack.
