Human-Banbakri Antelope Conflict in India: A Review of Crop Depredation, Ecological Dynamics and Mitigation Strategies

The Banbakri antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus), commonly known as the Nilgai, is distributed across and neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Texas, Mexico, Italy, and South Africa. Increasing human encroachment, habitat degradation, and agricultural expansion have led to a rising incidence of crop raiding by Banbakri, causing substantial economic losses to farmers, particularly in northern and central India. This review examines the human–Banbakri conflict arising from competition for agricultural resources, drawing on secondary data from scientific journals and reports. Banbakri antelope have increasingly moved from natural habitats to human-dominated landscapes in search of water, food, and crops. Bihar hosts the largest population (295,366), followed by Uttar Pradesh (254,444). The species causes significant damage to major crops, fruits, and vegetables, sometimes up to 58% yield loss-forcing farmers to alter cropping patterns. Crop depredation can be identified through direct sightings, photographs, hoof prints, plant damage, and dung traces. The review highlights ecological interactions between Banbakri antelope besides agriculture and underscores the urgent need for an Integrated Banbakri Pest Management (IBPM) framework to balance conservation priorities with rural livelihoods, emphasizing evidence-based, socially acceptable, and ecologically sustainable solutions.