Tourism Info Nepal

Himalayan Black Bear Terrorizes Farmers in Thasang, Mustang; Relief Efforts Underway

Himalayan Black Bear Terrorizes Farmers in Thasang, Mustang; Relief Efforts Underway

The residents of Thasang Rural Municipality in Mustang are facing increasing challenges due to the growing conflict between humans and Himalayan black bears. In recent times, the presence of these wild animals has been wreaking havoc on local farmers, particularly in the lower regions of Thasang.

Thasang, located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, has witnessed escalating conflicts between humans and wildlife, with three specific Himalayan black bears causing major disturbances. These bears, along with leopards in the region, have not only destroyed crops but have also targeted livestock.

According to Somal Hirachan, the Vice-Chairperson of Thasang Rural Municipality, the villagers in Wards 1, 2, and 3 are the worst affected, with the bears destroying crops like maize and millet. The bear attacks typically occur at night, causing severe damage to ripening crops. “The most affected areas in Thasang are Kunjho and Taklung. Despite various efforts, we have been unable to stop the bear menace. Bears tend to cause significant damage during maize and millet harvest seasons,” Hirachan added, expressing his concern over the ongoing issue.

Hirachan further explained that during the months of Bhadra and Ashoj, when food becomes scarce in the forest, the bears enter farmlands and consume crops. “The bears predominantly target maize, often destroying entire fields, and then move on to millet, wreaking havoc. We are fed up with the continuous bear attacks,” Hirachan said.

Villages like Kunjho, Taklung, Titi, Jhipra Deurali, Dhampu, Naurikot, Sirkung, and Saura in Thasang have been severely impacted by the bear attacks, destroying crops. A few years ago, an effort was made to mitigate the problem with the installation of bear-repelling devices by the Omvikas and Deukumari Foundation, in collaboration with the Mahavir Pun National Innovation Center. However, these devices have proven ineffective. “Initially, the devices seemed to work, but over time, the bears adapted, and even with the devices in place, they continued to destroy our crops,” said Hirachan.

In response to the escalating problem, the National Nature Conservation Fund (NNCF), under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Jomsom Field Office, has initiated a relief program to support the affected farmers. Promod Raj Regmi, the head of the Jomsom Office, shared that, under the current year’s budget, a total of 71 households in Thasang’s Wards 1, 2, and 3 received compensation for the losses caused by the Himalayan black bears. Farmers had previously submitted applications for compensation, and after evaluating the damages, the office provided financial relief.

The relief distribution was carried out under the supervision of the local conservation management committees. A total of NPR 143,000 was distributed among 60 households in the villages of Chhyo, Jhipra Deurali, Kunjho, Taklung, and Titi. Additionally, 13 households in the villages of Saura, Sirkung, and Naurikot received a total of NPR 24,000 in compensation.

Regmi also highlighted that, in some areas, the NNCF had assisted in the installation of electric fencing to prevent further damage. The compensation, which was based on the evaluation of the destroyed crops, is expected to provide significant relief to the farmers.

The NNCF hopes that such initiatives will help reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote co-existence between humans and wildlife in the region. By providing compensation, the authorities aim to support the local farmers while also addressing the broader issue of sustainable wildlife management and conservation.

Press + K to search