Nepal, Aug. 1 -- Human-animal conflict in most parts of Nepal, particularly in districts adjacent to national parks and forests, has become a major threat to the lives and livelihoods of people. Recent data from Koshi Province highlights the growing severity of this issue. Elephant attacks in the eastern districts-primarily Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Udayapur, and Ilam-killed 97 people and severely injured 87 others over the past 20 years. Jhapa accounted for 72 of those deaths, a cause for serious concern. According to forest officials, elephants frequently stray into Nepal from neighboring India via Jhapa, often leading to deadly encounters with humans. Over the same period, 41 elephants also died, many while searching for food or fleeing ...