Amid growing damage to crops and increasing human-wildlife conflict, a system allowing the legal hunting of certain wild animals has been introduced in Arghakhanchi.

The Division Forest Office, Arghakhanchi, has issued a public notice inviting Nepali citizens to apply for hunting permits in accordance with existing laws on national parks and wildlife conservation.

According to the office, permit holders can hunt barking deer, wild boar, sambar deer and spotted deer using designated weapons and following the prescribed legal procedures.

Narayan Dev Bhattarai, chief of the Division Forest Office, said the hunting permit process was introduced to reduce crop damage caused by wildlife and minimise human-wildlife conflict.

He said permits can be obtained to hunt designated wildlife under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1974, and other prevailing laws.

“People can obtain permits to hunt certain wildlife using designated weapons after completing the procedures prescribed by law,” Bhattarai said.

Local farmers, particularly in rural areas, have complained that wildlife frequently damage their crops. Wild animals enter fields at night and destroy maize, rice and wheat crops, and in some cases pose risks to people.

The forest office, however, has made it clear that the provision does not allow uncontrolled hunting. Only designated wildlife can be hunted by permit holders and in accordance with prescribed procedures. Hunting wildlife without a permit will result in legal action, the office said.

Nepali citizens wishing to obtain a hunting permit must submit an application to the Division Forest Office, Arghakhanchi, by August 26, along with the prescribed fee under Rule 9(1) of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1974.

According to Information Officer Kesar Khadka, applicants must submit a copy of their Nepali citizenship certificate, a licence for their firearm and other documents required under the law. Applicants must complete all legal procedures and, even after obtaining a permit, comply with rules concerning the designated area, period, weapons and wildlife species.

The Division Forest Office has urged the public not to hunt any wildlife without obtaining a permit.

Stakeholders said wildlife management should be based on scientific and legal principles to minimise crop damage while ensuring wildlife conservation. The extent to which the new hunting permit system benefits farmers affected by wildlife will depend on its effective implementation.

Source - https://risingnepaldaily.com