Concrete barriers help curb wildlife incursions in Bardiya

Thakurbaba Municipality in Nepal has implemented a concrete barrier, built into an irrigation canal, to address the persistent problem of wildlife straying from Bardiya National Park into human settlements. The initiative aims to protect crops and prevent conflict between people and animals like elephants and tigers.

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The concrete canal also serves as a barrier against wildlife. It will provide irrigation to the Dumreni area while preventing damage caused by wildlife.

Approximately 808 meters of the concrete canal and barrier have been constructed in Dumreni for Rs205.998 million. Officials state the structure not only provides irrigation to farmers but also effectively restricts wildlife movement. Residents have expressed relief, noting the reduction in fear and crop damage since the barrier's completion. "Since the concrete barrier was not there in the past, we lived with the constant fear that wild animals could enter at any time," said Nain Kami, a local resident.

The municipality has invested over Rs300 million to construct about 15 km of this wildlife barrier, financed by federal and provincial grants and local resources. Mayor Tilak Lamsal reported a significant decrease in intrusions by elephants, deer, and wild boars, easing human-wildlife conflict and boosting agricultural protection. However, areas lacking these barriers remain vulnerable.

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Since the concrete barrier was not there in the past, we lived with the constant fear that wild animals could enter at any time. The canal and barrier will help reduce conflict between people and wildlife.

Historically, efforts to mitigate conflict included nearly 65 km of electric fencing and wire mesh installed over 16 years by various conservation bodies. This fencing, however, has been susceptible to damage, with elephants sometimes using logs to break through. Inadequate community monitoring and poor maintenance have been cited as challenges to the effectiveness of these older systems, highlighting the ongoing need for robust solutions like the new concrete barriers.

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The barrier has reduced the intrusion of elephants, deer, wild boars and other animals into settlements and helped ease human-wildlife conflict. It is also expected to help increase agricultural production by protecting crops.