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Protected areas are important for wildlife conservation but they are also used by many local communities for livelihood activities. This often leads to conflicts and erodes the tolerance of local people for wildlife, particularly towards carnivores that prey on livestock. To enhance conservation success and improve the social carrying capacity of carnivores, it is essential to understand the factors influencing such conflicts and the attitudes of people interacting with carnivores. We used structured questionnaire surveys to assess the extent of livestock mortality and community responses to common leopards Panthera pardus in Kishtwar National Park, a relatively understudied protected area in the Greater Himalayan region of India. The mountainous Park and its surroundings have historically served as a haven for the local agro-pastoralists and transhumant pastoralists, resulting in complex human–wildlife interactions across the larger landscape. Our results showed that leopards were responsible for high livestock depredation (71 incidents in 2 years), and households with larger livestock holdings experienced a higher predation rate compared to those with smaller livestock holdings. An ordinal logistic regression model revealed that respondents' age and period of activity in the Park significantly influenced their opinions regarding leopards. Large losses suffered by otherwise low-income households resulted in more negative attitudes towards these predators. Our study indicates that financial compensation for livestock losses is a key factor in improving human–leopard coexistence. A comprehensive, cross-sector collaborative approach would help to improve conflict resolution and promote favourable attitudes towards these predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a serious management problem in India where humans and wildlife share space and resources. This problem is particularly acute in the Himalayan Mountain region. As the lives and livelihoods of local residents are inextricably linked to wildlife, it is important to know the extent of damage caused by HWC to local people. Methods: In this work, the pattern of HWC was assessed in the Chowkibal-Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, based on self-reported losses of livestock to large carnivores by local people (N = 217). Results: The carnivores that were perceived by local stakeholders to be responsible for livestock depredation were identified as the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear and Common leopard. It was found that the leopards reportedly killed livestock throughout the year at the relatively low altitude zones, but black bears and brown bears reportedly killed livestock in the monsoon months at the relatively higher altitude zones. It was also reported that the leopards prefer to kill small to medium-sized livestock, but the bears had no such preferences. Conclusion: This work recommends that the Forest and Wildlife Department or community-based livestock insurance schemes should practice quick and efficient compensation systems, improve night livestock shelters, and community-based supervised livestock grazing practices to reduce livestock losses due to wild carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a major concern for protected area management. Managing HWC around protected areas requires structured and replicable processes to reduce subjectivity and promote adherence to good governance principles. The Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) is a widely-used process model for structured decision-making. This study demonstrates the novel application of CRISP-DM to HWC related decision-making. We apply CRISP-DM and conduct hotspot and temporal (monthly) analysis of HWC data from Ramnagar Forest Division, India. Based on the patterns of crop loss, livestock loss, and human loss, we propose conflict-type and species-specific preventive strategies. A qualitative assessment of the initial outcomes of the ongoing implementation finds the preventive strategies to be effective. We suggest a participatory approach, localization of strategy, and need for data management as opportunities for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tapeworms of Avitellina spp. are among those gastrointestinal parasitic helminths which infect wild and domestic ruminants worldwide leading to various clinical manifestations in the ruminant hosts, thereby causing considerable economic losses in livestock production. While these worms are among the major constraints in ruminant livestock raising, there is very meagre molecular information available making their identity error-prone. This study aimed to provide insights into the genetic characterization of these economically important tapeworms. Methods: In the present study, we examined 480 guts of slaughtered goats (n = 413) and sheep (n = 67) of which 74 guts were found infected with anoplocephalid cestodes (sheep gut:18; goat gut:56). A total of 27 Avitellina lahorea worms (19 from goat and 8 from sheep) were isolated, fixed, relaxed and stained using Gower's carmine stain. For molecular analyses, the genomic DNA was extracted and fragments of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, internal transcribed spacer1-5.8S ribosomal RNA (ITS1-5.8S rRNA) gene, and small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene were amplified and sequenced. Results: Based on snail-shaped paruterine organs and other morphological and morphometric features, the worms were identified as Avitellina lahorea. The phylogenetic analyses, based on our original cox1 gene sequence and those available from NCBI GenBank, showed Avitellina tapeworms as a sister lineage of Thysaniezia with 14 to 17% genetic divergence. Molecular analyses of 18S rRNA gene sequences depicted the present isolate as one of the species of the genus Avitellina clustering with A. centripunctata as a separate species in the phylogenetic tree with 92% homogeneity in sequences. In conjunction with existing data of internal transcribed spacer1-5.8S rRNA (ITS1-5.8S rRNA) gene, the phylogenetic analysis placed the present isolate among the anoplocephalids as one of the species. Conclusion: The present study is the first molecular report on A. lahorea isolated from sheep and goats with the simultaneous use of a morphological approach, and certainly contributes to bridging the existing gaps in the understanding of these economically important parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale is highly endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where it accounts for huge economic losses to the livestock sector. Approximately 30% of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herds in India are located in Uttar Pradesh (U.P). However in India, most of the research studies on Anaplasma are focused on cattle whereas studies on this pathogen in water buffaloes have been neglected. Therefore, present investigation was undertaken for determining the prevalence of A. marginale infection in water buffaloes in U.P, North India. Methods: In the current investigation during 2017-2019, the prevalence of A. marginale infection in 228 water buffaloes in three districts of North-West U.P was studied by microscopy and by nested-PCR amplification of major surface protein 5 (msp5) gene. Result: Microscopic examination of blood smears of 228 water buffaloes revealed 7.89% animals positive for A. marginale. Conventional PCR of full length major surface protein 5 (msp5) gene detected 29.39% and nested-PCR amplification of this gene detected 64.0% of these animals as positive for A. marginale infection. A high incidence of the infection detected in this study area suggests that water buffaloes may serve as reservoir hosts of A. marginale and play a vital role in the spread of infection to other susceptible animals. However further studies are required on larger buffalo populations for determining the epidemiological status of anaplasmosis in these animals in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change induced frequent disasters pose severe threats to agro-based rural livelihoods. Perceptions of risks play a critical role in planning and averting disasters. Lack of analytical documentation concerning how vulnerable communities perceive climate risks is a barrier to addressing and averting disasters and maladaptation. Applying a mixed approach, this study examines the perception of households concerning climate change and analyses the impacts of climate change on livelihood in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest northeastern state of India, with severe climate related challenges. Conceptual livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) framework of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is adopted to analyse the climate change induced vulnerability on livelihood. A total 450 households from 18 villages located in the districts of Arunachal Pradesh were surveyed during October, 2021 for retrieving the ground complexities in the region. Decrease in yields, frequent landslides and floods, livestock losses and unpredictable weather condition were perceived by the sampled households. The LVI analysis indicated that households are vulnerable in Arzoo, Perum, Pekong and Amliang villages requiring priority for lessening livelihood vulnerability and increasing coping capacity of the communities. Correlation analysis indicated that climate variability, natural disaster, health, food and social components attributed to livelihood vulnerability in the study area. Alternate livelihood, enhancing preparedness to disasters, inclusion of women in workforce, sustainable livelihood practices and government assistance are some of the suggestions made to enhance the adaptation of local communities in a sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock depredation by large carnivores has been documented across the entire Indian subcontinent. The failure of managers to mitigate livestock losses in landscapes dependent on subsistence agriculture poses a threat to the conservation of carnivores. For much of Gujarat, a western Indian state characterized by extensive semi-arid habitats, the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is considered an apex predator. Increasing regional leopard populations in response to protection efforts has led to more attacks on humans, along with an increase in rates of livestock depredation. In many cases, the regional forest department financially compensates livestock owners for depredation caused by leopards. Herein, we report on data we collected on leopard-caused livestock depredations in the Chhota Udepur district of Gujarat for 2019-2020. Between November 2020 and March 2021, we recorded 104 distinct cases of leopard depredations that resulted in 134 livestock mortalities. Most attacks occurred in the middle of the night, with the greatest frequency occurring between 2100 and 0400 hours (n = 53). Interestingly, livestock depredations by leopards appeared to occur more in the monsoon season (66%) than during the drier seasons (Fisher's least significant difference [LSD], P < 0.05). We also found that not everyone enduring losses to leopards received full compensation for the value of their animals. Livestock kept in corrals at night were more vulnerable to leopard attack (R2 = 38.6, P = 0.01) compared to free-ranging livestock foraging by day in farms and forests. We recommend that livestock compensation claims filed by communities be investigated and processed quickly and that compensation be based on fair value for domestic animals lost. To better understand the drivers of human-leopard conflict, we also encourage rigorous surveys of potential leopard prey species in forested areas adjacent to conflict hotspots as well as research to identify the most effective methods communities might use to safeguard their livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterium known to cause severe infections in humans and animals. It is one of the major bacteria causing subclinical and clinical mastitis, leading to significant economic losses in livestock industry. In this study, we have isolated and characterized 80 S. aureus clinical isolates from mastitis-infected animals. The analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility, molecular typing, biofilm production and genetic determinants was performed to understand molecular and phenotypic features of the prevalent pathogen. Our antibiotic susceptibility assays showed the majority (57.5%) of isolates to be multidrug-resistant (MDR), 38.75% resistant and 3.75% sensitive. We found 25% isolates to be methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) based on oxacillin susceptibility assays. In the MRSA group, maximum isolates (95%) were MDR compared to 45% in MSSA. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed 15 different STs; ST-97 was the most common ST, followed by ST-2459, ST-1, ST-9 and ST-72. The agr typing showed agr-I as the most common type, followed by type II and III. Most isolates developed biofilms, which ranged in intensity from strong to weak. The presence or absence of lukS, a virulence-related gene, was found to have a substantial relationship with the biofilm phenotype. However, no significant association was found between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance or other virulence genes. We also found four MRSA isolates that were mecA negative based on molecular assays. Our findings reveal the prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus clinical isolates in India that are biofilm positive and have critical genetic factors for disease pathogenesis causing bovine mastitis. This study emphasizes the need for the comprehensive surveillance of S. aureus and other mastitis-causing pathogens to control the disease effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease imposing significant impacts on livestock production and public health worldwide. India is the world's leading milk producer and Punjab is the state which produces the most cattle and buffalo milk per capita. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis to provide evidence for control of the disease in Punjab State, India. A cross-sectional study of dairy farms was conducted in humans and livestock in rural Ludhiana district using a multi-stage sampling strategy. The study suggests that brucellosis is endemic at high levels in cattle and buffalo in the study area with 15.1% of large ruminants testing seropositive and approximately a third of dairy farms having at least one animal test seropositive. In total, 9.7% of those in direct contact with livestock tested seropositive for Brucella spp. Persons that assisted with calving and/or abortion within the last year on a farm with seronegative livestock and people which did not assist with calving/abortion had 0.35 (95% CI: 0.17 to 7.1) and 0.21 (0.09 to 0.46) times the odds of testing seropositive compared to persons assisting with calving/abortion in a seropositive farm, respectively. The study demonstrated that persons in direct contact with cattle and buffalo in the study area have high risk of exposure to Brucella spp. Control of the disease in livestock is likely to result in benefits to both animal and public health sectors. Author summary: Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes production losses in livestock due to abortions, increased calving intervals and reduced milk production. The disease can also be transmitted to humans via direct contact with livestock when they give birth or abort or via consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of exposure to the bacteria (Brucella spp.) in cattle and buffalo in Ludhiana district, Punjab State, India. In addition, persons in contact with these livestock, either through their occupation or household, were also tested for Brucella spp. antibodies and the data used to identify factors increasing their risk of exposure. The study found high levels of exposure in cattle and buffalo in the study area with 15.1% of large ruminants testing positive for antibodies to Brucella spp. (seropositive) and approximately a third of dairy farms having at least one animal test seropositive. Around 10% of people tested seropositive for the bacteria and those that assisted with calving and/or abortion on a farm where at least one animal tested seropositive had a high risk of infection. Control of brucellosis could reduce production losses in livestock and protect humans in contact with livestock from becoming infected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the costs from human-wildlife conflict, mostly borne by marginal rural households, is a priority for conservation. We estimate the mean species-specific cost for households suffering damages from one of 15 major species of wildlife in India. Our data are from a survey of 5,196 households living near 11 wildlife reserves in India, and self-reported annual costs include crop and livestock losses and human casualties (injuries and death). By employing conservative estimates from the literature on the value of a statistical life (VSL), we find that costs from human casualties overwhelm crop and livestock damages for all species associated with fatalities. Farmers experiencing a negative interaction with an elephant over the last year incur damages on average that are 600 and 900 times those incurred by farmers with negative interactions with the next most costly herbivores: the pig and the nilgai. Similarly, farmers experiencing a negative interaction with a tiger over the last year incur damage that is on average 3 times that inflicted by a leopard and 100 times that from a wolf. These cost differences are largely driven by differences in the incidence of human death and casualties. Our estimate of costs fluctuates across reserves, mostly due to a variation of human casualties. Understanding the drivers of human casualties and reducing their incidence are crucial to reducing the costs from human-wildlife conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]