Banke National Park has recently distributed compensation to 457 farmers affected by wildlife over the past fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24). The park’s Chief Conservation Officer, Manoj Kumar Shah, reported that a total of NPR 3,018,410 was allocated to farmers whose livestock were harmed by wildlife.
During the year, NPR 123,810 was provided to two individuals who sustained minor injuries from leopard attacks. Additionally, compensation for livestock losses amounted to NPR 1,825,300 across 181 incidents, while NPR 1,069,300 was allocated for crop damage across 272 incidents.
In the previous fiscal year, the park had compensated 364 individuals affected by wildlife. The distribution included NPR 489,000 for three severe and one minor injury from leopard attacks, NPR 696,450 for 68 livestock damage incidents, and NPR 1,241,250 for 292 crop damage cases.
Banke National Park has registered seven wildlife-related crime cases in the fiscal year 2080/81. Among these, six cases were filed at the park and one at the Banke District Court under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, of 2029.
Binita KC, a ranger at the park, explained that one case involving the poaching of the protected species “Chowka” was registered at the district court. In addition, five cases related to wildlife fatalities due to vehicle accidents and one case of poaching of Chital were registered at the park’s office.
According to KC, “We file cases related to the poaching of protected animals at the district court, while other wildlife crime cases are handled within the park for investigation and adjudication.” She added that all seven cases from the last fiscal year are still under investigation, and no decisions have been reached yet.
During the last fiscal year, one Sambar and four Chital were killed in vehicle accidents, and one Chital poaching case was registered at the park. Additionally, a case involving the poaching of the protected species Chowka was filed at the Banke District Court.
