Sustainable Conservation Livelihood activity: A case from the Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan.

In the multiple-use zone of the Royal Manas National Park, over 64 per cent of households rely on subsistence farming, with livestock rearing as the main source of household income through dairy products. The traditional practice of maintaining large cattle herds in the forests increases vulnerability of livestock to carnivore predation, intensifies competition with wild ungulates, and contributes to forest degradation, threatening livelihoods and endangered species such as tigers. To address these challenges, a self-sustaining Jersey calf-sharing scheme was introduced, distributing ‘seed cows’ free of cost with the condition to share any female offspring with other households. Five years after implementation, this study assessed the livelihood and conservation outcomes through a survey of 56 beneficiary households administered via the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) database. The findings indicate a 43.6 per cent increase in Jersey cows, reduced forest grazing, lower livestock losses to carnivores, and improved dairy income. The scheme enhanced equitable benefit sharing, strengthened community engagement, and fostered positive conservation attitudes. We recommend exploring similar conservation livelihood initiatives across protected areas, supported by regular monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability.