Fostering Himalayan Black Bear Conservation and Herder Livelihoods in Humla, Nepal through Improved Conflict Mitigation Strategy

Research Location: Humla, Nepal and the Western USA
Conservation Partner: Upper Karnali Landscape Initiative (UKALI)

Faculty Mentors

Past Student Researchers

Sarah Bigley '27, Majors: Biology and Environmental Science
Elijah Clark '28, Majors: Environmental Science and Philosophy
Ava Fischer '26, Major: Biology; Minor: Anthropology
Srija Upadhyay '27, Majors: Biology and French/Francophone Studies

Project Description

As climate change and land conversion reshape landscapes, humans and carnivores are increasingly renegotiating how they share space and resources, often resulting in conflict. Human–carnivore conflict can affect ecosystem function, community livelihoods, food security, and the sustainability of coexistence. Learning from communities across different landscapes about how they understand and mitigate these conflicts can provide valuable insights into approaches that support both people and carnivores.

Human–bear conflict is a pressing issue in the remote, high-elevation landscapes of Humla, Nepal, where herder communities have coexisted with Himalayan black bears for generations but are now experiencing increasing conflict. Bears are associated with crop raiding, beehive damage, livestock losses, and occasional human injuries (Lama, 2024), yet evidence on effective mitigation approaches remains limited. UKALI’s previous assessments in Humla, together with two years of CRP research with the Institute for Integrative Conservation on human–carnivore conflict in the American Southwest, provide a foundation for exploring context-appropriate solutions.

In 2027, students, faculty, and local stakeholders will work together to assess bear distribution, habitat use, conflict hotspots, and community experiences. The project will incorporate local and Indigenous knowledge and pilot practical interventions focused on prevention, safety, community preparedness, and coexistence. These may include community training, educational materials, signage, and support for local response groups. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will evaluate outcomes and identify approaches that could be adapted elsewhere in the Himalayas.

Ultimately, the project will connect conservation learning across landscapes while helping students explore how communities can develop practical, locally informed strategies for human–bear coexistence that support both resilient livelihoods and healthy ecosystems.

Skills and Prereqs

Statistics and/or experience with coding and analyzing social science data is preferred but not required.

Number of students

Two

Travel

Travel to Kathmandu, Nepal for 3 weeks in May/early June. This will include travel to high-elevation areas which that could include hiking for extended periods and staying in homestays.

Notes to Applicants

This project is a good fit for students interested in human–wildlife coexistence, community-based conservation, and field research in remote landscapes. Students should be prepared for long-distance international travel from the United States to Nepal, travel to remote and high-elevation areas, extended periods of hiking, and stays in local homestays. The project will require physical preparedness, flexibility, adaptability, and comfort working in unfamiliar environments and engaging respectfully with local communities and partners. Students should approach the experience with cultural humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from local and Indigenous knowledge.

Number of Students

Two

Project ID - Format

25-011-27 - CRP Year

Interested in this project?

Review the CRP application requirements and submit your application by October 25, 2026.