The human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a serious problem that affects both human and wildlife populations worldwide. This study investigates the prevalence and increasing trend of HWC in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) of Nepal, with a specific focus on leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) as conflict-causing species. The study analyzes a decade of HWC data and identifies goats as the livestock most targeted by leopards. The Dolakha district of GCA experiences the highest number of conflicts, highlighting the need for mitigation measures in the area. In GCA, livestock attacks alone accounted for 85% of compensation, with the remaining 15% for human injuries. Annual attack reports have shown a significant increase, with a 33% rise year-on-year. The rule change in 2076 BS led to 57 more attacks than expected based on the previous year’s growth. While bear attacks showed no significant change post-rule alteration (t = 0.725, p = 0.5105), leopard attack reports surged from 1 to 60 annually, indicating a significant increase in reporting rates (t = 9.77, p = 0.0097). The findings emphasize the economic impact of HWC on local communities and suggest strategies such as increasing prey populations, promoting community education and awareness, enhancing alternative livelihood options such as eco-tourism, and implementing secure enclosures (corrals) to minimize conflicts and foster harmonious coexistence. This research addresses a knowledge gap in HWC in high-altitude conservation areas like the GCA, providing valuable insights for conservation stakeholders and contributing to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of both humans and wildlife. Keywords: Human-wildlife conflict; High altitude, Leopard; Himalayan black bear; Gaurishankar Conservation Area; Conservation intervention; Co-existence

A Mosaics provide productive ecosystems that include foraging opportunities, breeding grounds, and protection for birds, particularly within mosaics of grassland, wetland, and savanna habitats. This study explored the status of species diversity, richness, and seasonal population rate of avian species within the mosaics of the Padampur grassland of Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal. Point count surveys were performed in 10 randomly selected plots by walking transects or riding on elephant back during the rainy season. A total of 118 bird species and 4905 individual birds belonging to 43 families was recorded. Surveys and regression analysis revealed species preferred diverse ecotone habitats interspersed with mosaics of tallgrass prairie, shrubby grassland, savanna and marshy grassland. Regression models also revealed occupancy rates were relatively consistent across seasons, however, months within the rainy and the summer season were lower than autumn and winter. Rarefaction curves showed sampling efforts of approximately 10 months to produce accurate estimates of species richness. Although the diversity indices resulted in insignificant differences between the plots, the CNP appears to provide preferred grassland habitat to bird species all year round. This study suggests conservation efforts to consider these survey methods and estimates when implementing initiatives. This paper recommends concerned authorities to prioritize and give continuity to bird conservation, including grassland management alongside the wetlands within the CNP.