Ethno-Geographical Relation to Wildlife Crime in Nepal: Analysis of Case Reported in National Print Media

The wildlife crime has escalated rapidly, which is one of the most serious threats for survival of globally threatened species. There are very few studies about illegal wildlife trade in Nepal, where media related study is... [ view full abstract ]

The wildlife crime has escalated rapidly, which is one of the most serious threats for survival of globally threatened species. There are very few studies about illegal wildlife trade in Nepal, where media related study is virtually none. Hence, the reported cases of the wildlife crime on national print media i.e. Kantipur and Gorkhapatra of the last five years in Nepal were collated to understand coverage of wildlife crime in Nepal. The study followed the content analysis methods on analysis of information. Altogether 193 wildlife crime cases were recorded over the last five years in two national print media where 370 individuals including 30 foreigners were involved. The dominance suspected group involving in the crime are of Janajati mostly Tamang, and followed by Chhetri, Bramin, Madeshi, Dalit and Chepang. Tatopani-Sindhupalchok, Kimathanka-Sankhuwasabha, and Tinkar-Darchula boarders are frequently used as an exit point for illegal wildlife trade in North where as Chadani Dodhara-Kanchanpur border in southern belt. The coverage of wildlife related news in print media is very low; only 2 cases/month; and received less importance. The media are not in the forefront to report wildlife related crimes and does not remain in their priority reporting too. Media personnel should be sensitized to increase their attention towards conservation issues so that wildlife authorities can implement wildlife laws effectively to mitigate wildlife crime in Nepal.