Objectives This paper analyzed the main content, dynamic changes, and trends in international human-wildlife conflict (HWC) research by conducting a visual bibliometric analysis of the literature. By examining the volume of publications, authors, institutions, research hotspots, thematic clustering, and research trends, the paper aimed to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for HWC research in the context of ecological civilization and the construction of protected areas in China.

Methods The bibliometric tool CiteSpace 6.2.4 was utilized to visualize and analyze international HWC research literature since 1997. This systematic analysis encompassed the current status, key institutions, research hotspots, and trends in international HWC research.

Results Publications on HWC revealed a consistent upward trend, with the predominant disciplinary focus being ecology and environmental science. The density of author cooperation networks was modest, yet there were discernible clusters of collaboration, prominently exemplified by David W. Macdonald. Keywords with high centrality included large carnivores, ecology, and depredation. Research hotspots in international HWC studies cover the spatial and temporal distribution of conflicts, their causes and impacts, mitigation/management strategies, and factors influencing residents’ attitudes and perceptions. A shift in research trends from conflict management to human-wildlife coexistence was evident. Early HWC studies primarily used ecological theories, while recent research has increasingly focused on the subjectivity of animals, the complexity of conflicts, and the interconnectedness of nature and society, incorporating sociological and psychological theories into conflict mitigation and management.

Conclusions It is recommended that future research on HWC in China adopt a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to explore the intricacies of such conflicts and the strategies employed for coexistence between humans and wildlife. It should emphasize the role of wildlife agency in the evolution of human-wildlife relationships, while also acknowledging the potential contributions of local socio-cultural contexts to the global body of knowledge on HWC.