This research primarily utilized the Scopus database by Elsevier to gather data and significant samples. Scopus, a robust abstract and citation database, encompasses a wide array of academic fields such as science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and the arts. It indexes over 70 million entries from more than 23,000 peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, books, and patents. Scopus offers tools for citation analysis, author and affiliation profiling, and calculates metrics like the h-index, aiding researchers in monitoring the impact and reach of their work. Regular updates make it an essential resource for literature reviews, research evaluation, and academic assessments (Scopus, 2024). Using the Scopus database is sufficient for a bibliometric study due to its extensive coverage of high-quality, peer-reviewed literature across disciplines, including environmental science and ecology, which are critical for studying human-wildlife conflicts. Scopus provides robust bibliometric tools, standardized metadata, and global coverage, enabling the analysis of research trends, collaborations, and citation impacts from a global perspective. Its comprehensive and updated records from 1990 onward make it ideal for analyzing both historical and current research outputs. While Scopus may exclude some niche or regional journals, its structured data and citation metrics make it a reliable and efficient choice for bibliometric analysis (Pranckutė, 2021).

First, this study searched from 1990 until May of 2024 in the TS (Topic Search) = (human* AND wildlife* AND conflict*). The retrieved articles included these terms and their variants (with “*”) in the titles, keywords, and abstracts. Which resulted in 5,115 articles.

In this study, only research articles published and appearing on the Scopus database have been selected. Other publications such as books, annual reports, short reviews, etc. were not selected. This study also generates a comprehensive review of those papers. Some articles were rejected due to their incompatibility with this study’s aims, such as articles that studied public perception, and different kind conflict such as human vs. human or wildlife vs. wildlife. The final selection of the systematic review consisted of 4,973 papers concentrating solely on the human-wildlife conflict.

In ensuring the quality of the content of the articles, the remaining articles were presented to two experts for quality assessment. As suggested by Petticrew and Roberts (2006), the experts ranked the remaining articles into three quality categories, namely high, moderate, and low. Only articles categorized as high and moderate were reviewed. The experts focused on the methodology of the articles to determine the rank of the quality. Both authors had to mutually agree that the quality of the paper must at least be at a moderate level for it to be included in the study. Any disagreement was discussed between them before deciding on the inclusion or exclusion of the articles for the review. After this process, 2,445 articles were ranked as high, 2,377 as moderate and 151 articles as low. Thus, only 4,822 articles were eligible for the review. The summary of the screening process can be seen in Figure 1.

This study first examines the quantity of publications by analyzing research growth trends, subject area output, and journal types within the context of human-wildlife conflict, taking into account journal impact factors and H-index. The research assessment included: (1) publication output, (2) subject categories as indexed by the Scopus database from 1990 to 2024, and (3) the top 10 most influential journals. Publication performance and subject categories were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Second, co-authorship analysis was performed to identify relationships among the top authors and countries in the field. This analysis, commonly used to understand patterns of scientific collaboration (Ali et al., 2022), was conducted to highlight these interactions. Third, co-occurrence analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between publication keywords and track the evolution of research topics. This analysis utilized VOSviewer version 1.6.17, a software for creating and visualizing bibliometric networks based on citation, bibliographic coupling, co-citation, or co-authorship relations (VOSviewer, 2024). Author keyword frequency analysis provided insights into research focus areas within human-wildlife conflict studies. VOSviewer clusters items by analyzing the co-occurrence relationships within bibliometric data, such as keywords or terms. Using a modularity-based algorithm, the software positions related items closer together in a two-dimensional space while grouping them into clusters based on the density of connections. Each cluster is assigned a distinct color, reflecting thematic or conceptual relationships. Researchers can interpret and name clusters based on the terms they contain, enabling the identification of patterns and key topics within a research field (VOSviewer, 2024).

The field of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) has seen rapid growth, with a diverse range of studies exploring its ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions. To uncover prevailing themes and track research trajectories, this study conducted a keyword co-occurrence analysis of publications from 1990 to 2024. Keywords are valuable indicators of theoretical frameworks, research priorities, and knowledge gaps in HWC. Through this analysis, 197 frequently occurring keywords were identified and grouped into four primary clusters. These clusters reflect the thematic diversity of HWC research, as visualized in Figure 9. Node sizes in the co-occurrence network represent keyword frequency, line thickness denotes co-occurrence strength, and clustering highlights distinct research areas. Each cluster reveals essential insights into the complexities of HWC and its associated challenges.

This cluster examines strategies and practices aimed at managing interactions between humans and wildlife to mitigate conflicts and promote coexistence. A significant portion of research in this cluster addresses the consequences of human activities, such as urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural expansion, which disrupt wildlife populations and ecosystems. Key topics include habitat connectivity, wildlife population dynamics, and biodiversity conservation in urban and rural contexts.

Notably, studies highlight the role of urban green spaces and wildlife corridors in mitigating the effects of habitat fragmentation and facilitating wildlife movement. Research also emphasizes the importance of sustainable land-use planning and habitat restoration to address human-induced pressures on ecosystems (Jamean and Abas, 2023). Furthermore, this cluster explores community-based conservation initiatives that engage local populations in wildlife management, fostering stewardship and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Another key theme involves the integration of technology in wildlife management, such as the use of GPS tracking, camera traps, and drone surveillance to monitor wildlife movements and mitigate potential conflicts. These technological advancements have enhanced the ability to predict and prevent human-wildlife encounters, particularly in areas where urban expansion encroaches on natural habitats (Soulsbury and White, 2015).

This cluster focuses on the physiological and behavioral adaptations of wildlife in response to human activities and environmental changes. Studies within this cluster highlight the interconnectedness of wildlife health, ecosystem dynamics, and human influence. For example, agricultural practices, deforestation, and pollution significantly impact wildlife behavior and physiology, altering reproductive rates, stress responses, and movement patterns.

Research in this cluster underscores the importance of sex-specific studies, which reveal critical differences in how male and female animals respond to environmental stressors and human disturbances. These insights are crucial for understanding population dynamics and for designing targeted conservation interventions (Burger et al., 2007).

Moreover, this cluster highlights the role of education in raising public awareness about the ecological consequences of human actions. Public engagement campaigns focusing on wildlife health and its links to ecosystem services have been shown to foster greater support for conservation initiatives. Additionally, there is growing recognition of the need to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches to better understand the long-term impacts of human activities on wildlife physiology and behavior (Foster et al., 2022).

This cluster delves into one of the most contentious aspects of HWC: conflicts involving carnivorous species such as lions, tigers, wolves, leopards, and jaguars. These conflicts often stem from livestock predation and competition for resources, posing significant challenges to human livelihoods and carnivore conservation efforts.

Studies in this cluster explore the behavioral ecology of carnivores, including hunting patterns, territoriality, and interactions with human settlements. The research highlights the critical ecological roles that carnivores play, such as regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance, while also addressing the socio-economic impacts of their predatory behavior on local communities.

Mitigation strategies are a central focus, with studies advocating for measures such as improved livestock enclosures, predator deterrents, and community-based compensation schemes to reduce retaliatory killings of carnivores. Additionally, habitat management practices, including reforestation and the creation of buffer zones, have been proposed to minimize human-carnivore interactions (Tshewang et al., 2021).

Another important area of inquiry involves understanding the cultural attitudes and perceptions of local communities toward carnivores. Research shows that traditional beliefs and cultural values can influence tolerance levels and support for conservation initiatives. As a result, integrating social and ecological perspectives is essential for designing effective coexistence strategies (Lozano et al., 2019).

This cluster examines the policy frameworks and governance mechanisms necessary to address HWC and promote sustainable human-wildlife coexistence. Central to this cluster is the recognition that conservation challenges are inherently socio-political and require interdisciplinary approaches to balance ecological and socio-economic priorities.

A significant focus is placed on the role of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and community conservancies. Studies highlight the importance of adaptive management strategies that account for climate change, land-use changes, and shifting species distributions. Policy interventions that incorporate local knowledge and stakeholder engagement are emphasized as key to the success of conservation initiatives.

Furthermore, this cluster explores the economic dimensions of conservation, such as the use of incentives, subsidies, and eco-tourism to support biodiversity preservation. Research also highlights the importance of transboundary conservation efforts, particularly in regions where wildlife populations migrate across political borders. Collaborative approaches between countries are essential to address shared conservation challenges and mitigate conflicts in these areas (Selier et al., 2016).

Another emerging theme is the integration of conservation goals into broader development agendas. By aligning conservation policies with objectives such as poverty reduction, food security, and climate resilience, policymakers can create synergies that benefit both human communities and wildlife. This cluster underscores the need for robust policy frameworks that are flexible, inclusive, and responsive to changing environmental conditions (Fehlmann et al., 2021).

Future research on human-wildlife conflicts must adopt interdisciplinary approaches to address the complex interplay between ecological and social dimensions. Integrating social sciences with natural sciences allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors driving these conflicts. While social sciences provide critical insights into human behavior, cultural dynamics, and societal impacts, natural sciences focus on wildlife behavior and ecological patterns. This combination fosters the development of holistic solutions that are scientifically robust, socially acceptable, and practically implementable (Volski et al., 2021). For example, coupling ecological data on wildlife movements with data on community attitudes can lead to tailored strategies that balance conservation goals with human livelihoods.

The human dimensions of wildlife conflict remain underexplored, yet they are integral to effective conflict management. Research should focus on understanding human perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward wildlife, recognizing that these can vary significantly across cultural, economic, and social contexts (Bhatia et al., 2020). Community-based approaches that engage local stakeholders in conservation efforts have shown promise in fostering acceptance and sustainability. For instance, culturally sensitive education and intervention programs can address misconceptions about wildlife and encourage coexistence. By prioritizing community engagement, conflict management strategies are more likely to gain local support and achieve lasting impact.

The rapid pace of urbanization necessitates focused research on urban wildlife management. Urban and peri-urban areas face unique challenges, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, and increased human-wildlife interactions. Leveraging technological innovations such as drones, GPS tracking, and camera traps can significantly enhance wildlife monitoring and conflict prediction (Chisom et al., 2024). These tools allow for real-time data collection, enabling adaptive and responsive management practices. Additionally, urban conservation strategies should address habitat connectivity and the creation of green corridors to reduce the likelihood of conflict.

Climate change is a significant driver of shifts in wildlife behavior, habitat use, and distribution, increasing the frequency of human-wildlife interactions. Research must explore the effects of climate change on resource availability, migration patterns, and species adaptability (Abrahms et al., 2023). Adaptive management practices that account for these changes are crucial to mitigating future conflicts. For example, flexible conservation strategies, such as dynamic land-use planning and climate-resilient habitats, can help wildlife and human communities adapt to evolving environmental conditions.

Effective human-wildlife conflict management requires strong policies and governance frameworks. Identifying gaps in existing policies and proposing improvements is essential to enhancing their effectiveness. Inclusive governance that involves local communities, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders is critical for fostering coexistence (Marino et al., 2021). Policies should prioritize stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the voices and needs of affected communities are integrated into decision-making processes. Such inclusive approaches promote equitable solutions and reduce resistance to conservation initiatives.

Targeted research on species-specific conflicts is vital for developing effective mitigation strategies. Conflicts involving large carnivores, crop-raiding herbivores, and other high-impact species often require tailored approaches. For instance, understanding the ecology of crop-raiding elephants or predatory behaviors of large felids can inform the design of sustainable deterrents (Wilkinson et al., 2020). Non-lethal methods, such as habitat management and compensation schemes, can help balance conservation priorities with the protection of human livelihoods.

Public education and awareness are fundamental to building a supportive foundation for wildlife conservation. Research should explore innovative approaches to communication, including storytelling, social media campaigns, and community outreach, to shift public perceptions and foster coexistence (Kansky, 2020). Educational programs must be evaluated to ensure they effectively convey the importance of conservation and the mutual benefits of human-wildlife harmony. Engaging younger generations through school programs and interactive learning initiatives can create long-term attitudinal shifts toward wildlife conservation.

Conducting global comparative studies offers valuable insights into the shared challenges and solutions in managing human-wildlife conflicts. Such studies facilitate knowledge exchange across regions, highlighting best practices and adaptable strategies. For example, the robust conservation frameworks in biodiversity-rich regions of the Americas may provide lessons for African countries dealing with habitat encroachment and poaching (Facchini et al., 2023). Tailoring strategies to specific ecological and socio-cultural contexts ensures their effectiveness. Comparative studies also help identify scalable solutions that address the unique needs of diverse communities and ecosystems (Abas et al., 2023).