Bishnu Prasad Devkota
Human - Snow Leopard Conflict Mitigation Project, Nepal
A Goat wounded by Snow leopard attack.
Participants of training on law enforcement staffs to control illegal wildlife trade.
Book cover and poster of snow leopard.
| Town/Region | Country | Categories | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shey Phoksundo National Park | Nepal | Asia, Conflict, People | 9 Jul 2009 |
Snow Leopard is a rare key species for mountain biodiversity. The importance of its conservation is not because it is an endangered species placed in red data list of IUCN in endangered category; in CITES appendix 1 and under the strict protection schedule of National park and wildlife conservation act 1973 of Nepal; it is indeed because its viable population is the indicator of the balance ecosystem of the Himalayas.
Human-snow leopard conflict is the main reason for the decline of later species. Conflicts are always obstacles to development, either for society or nature conservation. Conflict mitigation means building positive attitudes or reducing negative impact on each other. So, if people can be convinced that the ultimate goal for the conservation of any species is for human welfare and local can benefit from this endeavor, local people’s support can be obtained.
The aim of this project is to reduce retaliatory killing of snow leopard by motivating herders and other local people through empowering community based organizations, bringing positive attitude and garnering their support in the endeavor. Veterinary care for wounded livestock, herder’s education, establishment of information centre and religious moral will be the major approaches to achieve the objectives.
This project will emphasise the importance of local people's involvement in conservation activities and work in close relationship with community based organizations. In Nepal, Nepal Army is involved in the protection of protected areas but they are less aware of international rules and regulation on wildlife trade. Imparting conservation knowledge on security personnel will be another aim of the project. On the site education for herders who are directly affected by snow leopard conflict will bring positive attitude towards its conservation. The project will be implemented in close coordination of national park headquarter, local organization and local people of the affected area.
For further information contact devkotabishnu@yahoo.com