Nepal tests synthetic scent to deter big cats from villages

In the Bardiya district of Nepal, a critical battle is unfolding at the frontier between human settlements and the wild, as conservation authorities deploy innovative science to mitigate escalating human-wildlife conflict. The current field-testing of a synthetic scent, designed to replicate the territorial markings of tigers, represents a pioneering effort to create a non-lethal deterrent against leopards and tigers encroaching upon communities.

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Wildlife attacks have claimed 11 lives in the district since the start of the current fiscal year in mid-July, 2025. Of these, eight deaths were caused by leopards, two by tigers and one by an elephant. At least 16 people have been injured in leopard attacks alone.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. The district has tragically recorded 11 human deaths due to wildlife attacks since mid-July, with leopards alone responsible for eight fatalities and at least 16 injuries. This alarming trend reflects a growing pressure on wildlife habitats and an unfortunate increase in close encounters between humans and animals. The fear is palpable, restricting daily life and turning even daytime activities into sources of anxiety for residents.

This scientific approach, utilizing a chemical that mimics tiger urine, is based on the understanding of feline territorial behavior. By deploying this scent along forest edges within the Khata Bio-corridor, conservationists hope to signal to tigers and leopards that the area is already occupied, thereby encouraging them to steer clear. This strategy moves beyond traditional methods, offering a potentially more effective and humane solution to a deeply entrenched problem.

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We found that five out of the ten compounds were particularly effective. During those observations, leopards and wild boars fled immediately upon sensing the smell. However, tigers behaved differently, approaching close to the scent-marked spots before turning back.

While preliminary trials have shown promising results, particularly with leopards and wild boars, the response of tigers is still under careful observation. The ongoing four-month re-testing of the five most successful chemical formulas, which have previously shown efficacy in South Africa, is crucial. This adaptation to the Tarai's specific climate and ecosystem is key. For the communities of Bardiya, this scientific endeavor offers a glimmer of hope, a chance to reclaim their safety and coexist with wildlife without the constant threat of attack. It highlights Nepal's commitment to finding sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict, a challenge that resonates deeply within our nation's conservation ethos.

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The chemical is kept in T-shaped pipes. A single application maintains its potency for about a month.