Patterns and economic impact of livestock predation by large carnivores in protected areas of southern Kashmir, India

Livestock predation by carnivores in and around protected areas poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of pastoralists and presents a major challenge to carnivore conservation efforts. In Kashmir, livestock predation by the Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus and the Leopard Panthera pardus has been documented, but its substantial impact on communities living near protected areas has remained understudied. We assessed livestock predation patterns in three protected areas of southern Kashmir: Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, and Achabal Conservation Reserve. Using an exponential non-discriminative snowball sampling method, followed by a questionnaire survey of affected individuals, we documented predation incidents across all three protected areas, with varying intensity. We identified Sheep Ovis aries, Cattle Bos taurus, and Domestic Horse Equus caballus as the primary prey species. Both the Asiatic Black Bear and the Leopard predominantly preyed on Sheep. The Asiatic Black Bear also targeted Cattle, and the Leopard showed a preference for Domestic Horse. Most predation events occurred during the summer, primarily during the day and within forest areas. However, the Leopard also attacked livestock penned in corrals. Most respondents expressed a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation; a minority advocated for lethal control of the carnivores involved in livestock predation. To mitigate this negative interaction, we propose a comprehensive interaction management strategy aimed at reducing the financial burden on local communities and fostering the long-term conservation of carnivores.