Understanding the Dynamics of Human–Wildlife Conflicts in North-Western Pakistan: Implications for Sustainable Conservation

The high economic costs of human–wildlife conflicts (HWC) hinder long-term conservation successes, especially in developing countries. We investigated HWC by interviewing 498 respondents from 42 villages Nowshera district, Pakistan. According to respondents, six species—the common leopard (Panthera pardus), grey wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica), and wild boar (Sus scrofa)—were involved livestock predation crop-raiding. Livestock (N = 670) translated into a total annual loss USD 48,490 across the villages, with highest 57.1/household/year attributed jackal. Crop damage incurred 18,000. Results further showed that was highly affected location, prey type, age, herding practices, while cereals vegetables were preferred crops for porcupine. declared as most dangerous carnivore, followed leopard. Negative attitude about prevails among 90% study area. strongly assume abundance apex predators can control impacts meso-carnivores on community’s livelihood. Keeping relatively smaller herds may reduce carnivore attacks educating populous compensation minimise negative perceptions HWC. To area, there should be an incessant timely coordination between wildlife officials local community.