Wildlife Farming in Nepal

 

Wildlife Faming (image generated from AI)

Introduction

Nepal is often celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, from the grasslands of the Terai to the rugged Himalayan landscapes (DNPWC, 2023). For many Nepalis, wildlife is not just something seen in documentaries—it lives next to farms, villages, and forests. However, increasing human–wildlife conflict, shrinking habitats, and illegal wildlife trade have placed immense pressure on both people and animals (Record Nepal, 2019).

 Wildlife farming means breeding, raising, and managing wild animal species under human care (on farms or facilities) rather than in the wild. The idea in Nepal’s context is to allow certain wild animals to be bred for conservation, research, and — controversially — commercial use such as selling meat, products, trophies, or for eco-tourism.

In response, Nepal has begun exploring wildlife farming—the controlled rearing, breeding, and use of selected wild animal species under strict legal oversight—as a possible middle path between conservation and livelihood needs (Rising Nepal, 2021). To guide this sensitive approach, the government introduced the Wildlife Farming Guideline 2080 B.S., under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (DNPWC, 2023).

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Opportunities: Why Wildlife Farming Attracts Attention

For many rural households, traditional farming alone is no longer enough. Wildlife farming offers an alternative source of income, especially for communities living close to forests where human–wildlife conflict is common (Rising Nepal, 2021). When legally approved species such as deer, wild boar, or pheasants are farmed responsibly, they can help diversify livelihoods and reduce economic vulnerability (Kathmandu Post, 2023).

There is also hope that regulated wildlife farming could reduce pressure on wild populations by meeting market demand through legal channels, rather than through poaching (Dialogue Earth, 2020). At the same time, it opens doors for private sector involvement in conservation-related enterprises, an area traditionally dependent on government funding (Record Nepal, 2019).

Importantly, wildlife farms can serve as learning spaces—supporting research, captive breeding, and veterinary training that strengthen Nepal’s overall wildlife management capacity (DNPWC, 2023).

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Prospects: Why the Timing Matters

The introduction of the Wildlife Farming Guideline 2080 has brought much-needed clarity to a previously vague policy area (DNPWC, 2023). Clear rules on species selection, enclosure standards, animal tagging, and veterinary oversight give both authorities and entrepreneurs a clearer sense of responsibility.

Market demand is also growing, especially for legally produced wildlife meat and ornamental birds, such as pheasants (Kathmandu Post, 2023). When carefully managed, wildlife farms can even link with eco-tourism and education, helping people—especially youth—understand wildlife beyond conflict and fear (Dialogue Earth, 2020).

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Challenges: The Ground Reality

Despite its promise, wildlife farming is not easy. Wild animals are not livestock. They need specialized enclosures, naturalistic environments, and expert veterinary care, which significantly increases costs and technical complexity (Record Nepal, 2019).

Government agencies face their own challenges. Limited manpower, budget constraints, and technical gaps can weaken monitoring and enforcement, particularly in remote areas (DNPWC, 2023). For small farmers, the high initial investment required for fencing, biosecurity, and compliance can be discouraging (Rising Nepal, 2021).

There is also a clear need for training and awareness. Without proper knowledge of wildlife husbandry and legal procedures, even well-intentioned farmers can make costly mistakes (Dialogue Earth, 2020).

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Threats: Why Caution Is Essential

Perhaps the biggest concern is the risk that wildlife farming could be misused to launder illegally captured wild animals if monitoring and traceability systems fail (Record Nepal, 2019). This would directly undermine conservation gains made over decades.

Animal welfare is another sensitive issue. Poorly managed farms can cause stress, injury, and suffering, raising serious ethical questions (Dialogue Earth, 2020). There are also public health risks, as captive wildlife can act as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases if biosecurity is weak (Rising Nepal, 2021).

Beyond practical risks, there is a deeper concern: commercialization may slowly shift society’s view of wildlife from living heritage to mere commodities, weakening conservation ethics (Record Nepal, 2019).

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Role of Wildlife Farming Guideline 2080

The Wildlife Farming Guideline 2080 att
empts to address these risks by setting strict conditions—defining eligible species, minimum enclosure sizes, mandatory animal tagging, record-keeping, and veterinary certification (DNPWC, 2023). Crucially, it prohibits the illegal capture of wild animals and emphasizes traceability and accountability.

In many ways, the guideline acts as a reminder that wildlife farming is not a right, but a carefully regulated privilege tied to conservation responsibility.

Aspect	Status in Nepal
Legal framework for wildlife farming	Yes, under amended Act/Rules
Licensing requirement	Mandatory from DNPWC
Focus	Conservation, research, and sustainable use
Commercial use	Permitted
Implementation	Limited
Conservation risks	Enforcement & welfare concerns

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Way Forward: A Balanced Path

For wildlife farming to truly benefit Nepal, a precautionary and people-centered approach is essential. Strong monitoring systems, digital animal tracking, and regular inspections must be prioritized (DNPWC, 2023). Farmers need access to training, technical support, and veterinary services, not just permits.

Focusing on non-threatened, low-risk species, promoting community-based or cooperative models, and strictly enforcing animal welfare standards can help build trust and legitimacy (Dialogue Earth, 2020). Just as important is public awareness—people must clearly understand the difference between legal wildlife farming and illegal wildlife exploitation.

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Conclusion

Wildlife farming in Nepal sits at a delicate crossroads. Guided by the Wildlife Farming Guideline 2080, it holds potential to support livelihoods, reduce conflict, and complement conservation efforts (DNPWC, 2023). But without strong governance, ethical commitment, and scientific management, it could just as easily become a threat to the very wildlife it aims to protect (Record Nepal, 2019).

The real challenge, therefore, is not whether Nepal can do wildlife farming—but whether it can do it wisely, transparently, and responsibly, keeping both people and wildlife at the heart of the process.

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References

• Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). 2023. Wildlife Farming Guideline and Directives, 2080. Government of Nepal.

• Rising Nepal. 2021. Government allows wildlife farming under revised wildlife policy.

• Record Nepal. 2019. Nepal’s controversial move to cash in on wildlife farming.

• Kathmandu Post. 2023. Pheasant farms thrive in western Nepal on rising demand.

• Dialogue Earth. 2020. Wildlife farming stirs controversy in Nepal.