Human-wildlife conflicts and climate change in the Spiti Valley of the Himalayan Region

Abstract

Purpose

This work examines the growing challenges of human–wildlife conflict in the Spiti Valley, a remote desert located in the Indian Himalayas at a high altitude. There is a focus on how climate change is at the bottom of these changes. By bringing together wisdom and the daily an experience of local people, the analysis explores not only the triggers of these conflicts but also the way they unfold, and the deep social and ecological impacts felt by the populace.

Methodology

To construct the full picture, this research combines the stories with numbers. The work consisted mainly of household surveys for quantitative insights and detailed, face-to-face interviews with farmers, herders, and local women for the qualitative inputs. Through the process of systematic coding and analysis, the study explains the obvious patterns and the costs of living with wildlife—fromyields that are lost to emotional strain—allowing us to understand how vulnerable yet resilient these local populations are.

Findings

The evidence shows that the biggest issues arise from snow leopards and Himalayan wolves preying on livestock, while wild herbivores damage crops. Climate change has made matters worse: rising temperatures and a switch from snowfall to rainfall disrupt the valley’s precious water supply, hurt pasture quality, and shrink harvests. As the wildlife adapt to the shifting landscape, they come closer to villages in search of food and water. Intriguingly, there were no reports of any kind of poaching, retaliation, or human casualties in 2017 and 2022—proofof the tolerance of the locals, fostered by various compensation and insurance schemes.

Research Limitations and Implications

This study focuses on the Spiti Valley, with data from selected years, so its results may not apply to all regions of the Himalayas. Future work must aim to explore other regions and track these changes over time to help construct a broader understanding of how climate and wildlife conflicts intersect.

Practical Implications

The findings point to urgent priorities: better water management, stronger community-led solutions (like secure animal enclosures and new livelihoods), and adaptive policies that honour both the environment and local traditions.

Social Implications

Despite tough conditions, local communities show impressive resilience and adaptability. The research highlights how inclusive decision-making and fair compensation help pave the way for sustainable coexistence with wildlife in these delicate mountain areas.

Originality and Value

This chapter offers realistic perspectives on the relationship between climate change and wildlife conflict. It blends ecological and social viewpoints and adds new content for both academics and policymakers to design culturally sensitivestrategies for mountain communities that are sensible and sustainable.