Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) can be defined as interactions between humans and wildlife which have harmful consequences for humans or wildlife. Recent inclusion of HWC to the Global Biodiversity Framework highlights the importance of managing HWC to avoid negative impacts on people and wildlife. Effective management requires understanding where and how HWC is occurring and evolving in relation to an established baseline, yet a global baseline is largely unknown. Here, we conduct a global scoping review to identify global trends and gaps in current research and data collection efforts at a subnational scale. We found extensive geographical, taxonomic, and contextual biases when compared to predicted HWC exposure. Importantly, areas of potentially high HWC risk in Africa, China, South America and Asia lack spatially explicit studies. Combined with comparatively shorter study periods in these regions, this presents opportunities for more empirical spatial monitoring and investigation. Taxonomic disparities are exemplified by avian, non-snake reptile species only appearing in 18% of studies amongst 925 species we identify as involved in conflict. Types of conflict vary regionally, with poaching and crop raiding in low-income regions, and roadkill and nuisance wildlife in high-income nations. Differences in the conflict types combined with the geographical disparity in collection efforts are demonstrative of varied ecological conditions but also global socioeconomic inequities and localized cultural drivers of conflict. These identified disparities highlight the need for broader efforts in HWC studies towards sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.