Human-large carnivore conflict requires a nuanced understanding of the factors that escalate encounters between people and large carnivores. In this dissertation, I focus on disentangling human-leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) conflict by identifying ecological and social factors that drive such conflicts and examining the behavioral strategies people adopt to mitigate overall human wildlife conflict. In Chapter 1, I use single-season occupancy models on publicly available human-leopard conflict data to investigate the factors associated with leopard attacks on humans. The results show that leopard attacks are positively correlated with rugged topography and areas with high human and livestock density. In Chapter 2, I employed a correlated detection occupancy model to explore leopard space use in human-dominated habitats outside protected areas, covering 7,105 km² of multi-use landscapes. As leopards are Nepal’s most widely distributed large felid, my findings support the growing body of evidence that large carnivores can coexist with humans if their natural prey species—such as barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), spotted deer (Axis axis), rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), and wild boars (Sus scrofa) are available in the human dominated landscapes. In Chapter 3, I analyze leopard diets using genetically identified scats and non-linear correction factors developed for leopards. The results reveal that leopards in my study region primarily prey on barking deer and rhesus macaques, underscoring the importance of wild prey, consistent with the findings from second chapter. Remarkably, domestic pigs were the most abundant livestock species eaten by leopards, a novel finding for this area suggesting that mitigation measures should specifically address pig farmers (a historically marginalized and poor community) as being disproportionately affected by leopard depredation of livestock. Chapter 4 investigates conflict-avoidance behaviors in local households, employing a structural equation model (SEM) based on a survey of 582 households. The analysis revealed that conflict-avoidance behaviors are positively influenced by exposure to human wildlife conflict, perceived risk of wildlife attack, wildlife knowledge, and risk mitigation intent. Conversely, the perception of resource sufficiency negatively influences these behaviors. Chapter 5 serves as the synthesis of my dissertation, consolidating the key findings on human leopard conflict in CHAL. It integrates insights from earlier chapters to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drivers, dynamics and implications of human-leopard conflict in this region. This dissertation provides key insights to reduce human-leopard conflict and foster coexistence by increasing natural prey availability, improved livestock protection, and fostering positive attitudes toward leopards, especially among marginalized and poor communities. The findings also suggest that reducing fear from wildlife, and empowering communities with practical knowledge on proactive mitigation measures are key to reducing overall human-wildlife conflicts. It also offers strategic recommendations for fostering human-leopard co-existence through actionable items at individual, household, and community level.