CONSERVATION CHRONICLES 2020

MAY 2020 ISSUE 02

Conservation
Chronicles

PROTECTING

OUR DREAMSCAPES

ConservationTourism: ATimely andInnovative
Solution to Counter the Negative Impacts of

Mass Tourism

CAMERA

T RAPPI NG

Capturing Elusive Wild Animals
intheir Natural Habitat

COMMUNITY

SUPPORT INITIATIVES

Conservation Awareness & Bridging the
Human-Carnivore Conflict



Let’s conserve together

ABOUT

ABOUT

Conservation Chronicles

A bi-annual magazine published by the Snow Leopard
Foundation with the aim to keep our peers, communities,
donors, and stakeholders up to date with our work in
wildlife research, conservation, and education. Through
this periodical, we wish to inform readers about our
program activities, findings through research as well as
new ventures.

CREDITS

Editor-in-chief:

Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz
Jaffar ud din

Coordination:

Moiz Rafi
Ayesha Akif

Copy & Editing:

Mavra Bari

Layout & Design:

Nazish Munir

Research & Contribution:

Shoaib Hameed
Hussain Ali
Shafiqullah Khan
Tayyab Shehzad
Mumtaz Hussain
Barkat Ullah Khan
Tania Irum

Maps / GIS Support:

Doost Ali

Photography:

Sadaqat Ali
Ather Hussain
SLF Team

IN THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS 39

MESSAGE FROM THE 26 Community Engagement for
EDITOR Conservation Tourism

5 Why Conserve Carnivores? 26 Workshop on Ecotourism Promotion
in Snow Leopard Habitat
RESEARCH & SURVEY
26 Snow Leopard Foundation’s
8 Camera Trapping Conservation Tourism Road Map
11 Camera Trapping Survey
27 Activities for Tourists in Hopper Local Community Participation in
13 Valley Conservation Programs

8 SNOW LEOPARD FACTS COMMUNITY & RESEARCH
SPOTLIGHT CONSERVATION PUBLICATIONS IN 2019

15 SLF Star: Siraj Khan 30 Snow Leopard Community Support 43 Critical Assessment of Asiatic
17 SLF Star: Yasmeen Cheema Initiatives Ibex for Sustainable Harvesting in
Northern Areas of Pakistan
FEATURE STORY 32 Livestock Insurance Scheme:
Safeguarding Financial Futures 44 Population Structure of Blue Sheep
21 Conservation Tourism: in Shimshal Valley Gilgit-Baltistan
Protecting Our Dreamscapes 33 Livestock Vaccination: Healthy Pakistan
Livestock Means a Happy Home
22 Conservation Tourism vs. 45 Diet of the Brown Bear in Himalaya:
Commercial Tourism 35 Snow Leopard Enterprises Combining Classical and
Molecular Genetic Techniques
24 Pioneering Conservation 36 The Power of One Woman
Tourism
37
22 Development of PSLEP
Ecotourism Sites in Snow Punaar - Bringing Historical 46 A Transboundary Study of
Leopard Habitat Heritage into Global Markets Spatiotemporal Patterns of
Livestock Predation and Prey
24 Development of PSLEP Eco- Preferences by Snow Leopard and
tourism Sites in Snow Leopard Wolf in the Pamir
Habitat
LOOKING BACK AT 2019

47 January 2019

100 December 2019



FROM THE

EDITOR

Why Conserve

CARNIVORES

“Carnivores serve as good indicators of

an ecosystem’s overall health: where
predators thrive, prey must also be

abundant, where herbivore prey is, lush
green trees and plants grow as well.
“

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Why Conserve

CARNIVORES?
W hen we think
of the world’s Carnivores serve as good
most majestic indicators of an ecosystem’s
carnivores we are overall health: where
confronted with two predators thrive, prey must
dominant reactions: also be abundant, where
fear and reverence. We herbivore prey is, lush
often view carnivores as green trees and plants grow
dangerous creatures that as well. Thus, protecting
have a unique standing areas large enough to
in the wild, they are at the support populations of
top of the food chain but animals like bears, lions,
the truth is that carnivore leopards and wolves can
populations are increasingly result in the conservation
vulnerable and at risk of of a wide range of species,
endangerment. both animals and plants,
as well as the integrity of
In fact more than 75% of the complex ecosystems in
the 31 largest carnivore which they live.
species are declining, and
17 species now occupy When human activity
less than half their former eliminates or decreases
ranges. Southeast Asia, top predator numbers,
Southern and East Africa, their former prey tend to
and the Amazon are among overpopulate their habitats,
areas in which multiple causing dramatic decline
large carnivore species are of those ecosystems.
declining. Carnivores are in fact
regulators of rich complex
In ecosystems around the ecosystems around the
world, the decline of large world. Human-Carnivore
predators such as lions, conflict is still not fully
leopards, bears, wolves understood which has
is changing landscapes. led to the needless and
Habitat loss, persecution baseless declining numbers
by humans and loss of of carnivores such as the
prey have combined to stealthy snow leopard. The
inflict great losses on these Snow Leopard Foundation
populations. is a leader in understanding
the human-carnivore conflict
Losing carnivores sets in and protecting carnivore
a chain reaction of losing populations to allow fragile
other flora and fauna in ecosystems to thrive and
the ecosystem as well. flourish!

5 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

“ MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

“Carnivores serve as good indicators of an ecosystem’s overall health: where

predators thrive, prey must also be abundant, where herbivore prey is, lush
green trees and plants grow as well.

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 6

“RESEARCH

& SURVEY

Camera Trapping For

WILDLIFE
RESEARCH

“Camera trapping is a method for

capturing elusive wild animals on film
when researchers are not present and
to gain insights in lifestyles particularly

at night.

RESEARCH AND SURVEY

Capturing Elusive Wild Animals the camera that takes black and white images at night but it
in Their Natural Habitat doesn’t blind the animals like a white flash light.

From research to conservation, camera traps have From research to conservation, camera traps have
revolutionised our knowledge of wildlife revolutionised our knowledge of wildlife. Camera traps have
become even more popular recently due the introduction of
Have you ever possible, and has built a color photography. Not only do they capture photographs
wondered just how treasure trough of research but also provide have a verifiable record of data, which is
photographers on animal behaviour and especially important for conservation.
and researchers capture life. A camera trap is a
movement of wild animals remotely activated camera
in the habitats, sleeping, that is equipped with a
stalking, moving, preying, motion sensor or an infrared
eating, playing so sensor, or uses a light beam
unabashed and unknown as a trigger.
of the human or camera
eye? Just how does National Camera trapping is a
Geographic have millions method for capturing
of minutes worth of wildlife elusive wild animals on
footage? Why do we not film when researchers
hear of researchers and are not present and to
photographers being gain insights in lifestyles
attacked by lions and particularly at night. A
jaguars on mission? warm-blooded animal will
trigger the motion sensor
The answer is camera and the camera will start
trapping, the technology taking pictures and these
that has made our days it can take video as
unprecedented knowledge well. As there’s an infrared
and recordings of wild flash at night, the animals
life in their natural habitat won’t even usually notice

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 8

RESEARCH AND SURVEY

9 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

RESEARCH AND SURVEY

CAMERA TRAPPING EFFORT IN
NORTHERN PAKISTAN

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 10

RESEARCH AND SURVEY Camera Trap Installations 2018-19

CAMERA TRAPPING EFFORT FOR
2018-2019

Snow Leopard Foundation is a leader in camera trapping
in Pakistan and candidly captures some of the most
elusive creatures in the most unforgiving of terrains. This
year SLF’s camera trapping efforts were in Chaghbibi,
Mereen and Gokhshal regions of Chitral Gol National
Park as well as in areas in Gilgit Baltistan such as Astore,
Baltoro Glacier Passu, Hussaini, Shimshal, Gulkin,
Gulmit and its surroundings and Hopper Hisper Valleys.

Astore, Gilgit Baltistan

SLF carried out a study in district Astore to collect data on wildlife and plan further conservation activities.Camera

trapping technique was used for this study to access the presence of carnivores and mammalian diversity in the region,

the camera traps took an overall of 22,181 pictures including pictures of snow leopards, wolf, ibex, Astore markhor,

musk deer, red fox and stone marten. Snow leopards were

detected in Daskin/Shaltar area, while wolves were detected

in Bobin and Rupal areas. Astore markhor was trapped

on a camera station in Dashkin and deer was captured in

Rupal valley. In birds, snow cock, pheasant, magpie and

chukor partridge were the prominent species captured. The

survey was a success and showed wild animal activity near

settlements and this raised concerns and insights regarding

co-existence of human and wildlife species in the area Red Fox Wolf
especially the snow leopard. Snow Leopard numbers were

calculated in the area using advanced statistical measures

and their density is shown on the Map given.

Camera trapping is an arduous process, from project Musk Deer Stone Martin
planning stage to the physical camping and set-up of the
cameras. It takes well-equipped teams of experts who
trek and establish camps in stunning but unforgiving
terrain. Then dismantling the cameras and processing,
analysing and recording the findings takes patience and

11 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

RESEARCH AND SURVEY

Chitral Gol National Park
an eye for detail. Camera traps yield an expanse of photos—10,000 shots after a 6-month project. The cataloging of all
these photos; extraction of relevant data about species, individual animals and locations; and then analysis of data in to
actionable insights can take another several months and a few pairs of human eyes and hands. While much of this work
is still performed manually, technology is automating more and more of the process, and the Snow Leopard Foundation is
at the pioneering helm of innovating camera trapping in the country.

Transforming Camera Trap Data into Management Information
Habitat Suitability Map of Snow Leopards

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 12

13 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 14

SPOTLIGHT

SLF STAR

Siraj Khan
FIELD

ASSISTANT

“Siraj takes great pride in his

work and tirelessly sensitizes and
encourages local communities
towards wildlife conservation.
“

SPOT LIGHT study took two and a half months to complete and though it
seemed insurmountable at the time, Siraj shares that it also
SLF Stars gave him the most satisfaction as he saw the tremendous
impact their findings made.

While Siraj remembers his most demanding yet satisfying
field activity with delight, he shudders when he thinks of his
near-death experience:

“The most dreadful experience I met with was falling
into avalanche in Terich valley during a camera

trapping study. While returning from the field, the snow
broke down under my feet and I started sharp descent

that dragged me down almost 250 meters”,
recalls Siraj.

After a thirty-minute uphill struggle, he finally escaped falling
in to a snowy and untimely demise. He sustained injuries to
his rib cage as the camera was attached to his back and
made his free fall all the more painful.

Name: Siraj Khan
Designation: Field Assistant

Siraj thinks that his work is well worth the risk, grueling treks Despite such a harrowing experience, Siraj still thinks that
and sacrifice because these findings protect majestic wildlife his work is well worth the risk, grueling treks and sacrifice
creatures, communities and the environment as a whole. because these findings protect majestic wildlife creatures,
communities and the environment as a whole.
Siraj Khan joined SLF in 2008 as field assistant over
a decade ago and his commitment to the job has One would think that after twelve years in the field, Siraj
grown with every passing year. He remembers his is accustomed to seeing the North’s carnivores but he
first field activity with fondness and beckons back to his admits that he only saw the elusive snow leopard twice in
first wonderment with the work. He participated in Bashqar Chitral Gol and once in Misgar Valley. According to Siraj,
Gol Camera trapping study in Sorlaspur Valley and can still the long waits are worth it though to see just a glimpse of
remember the tremendous trek and patience it took. Now them and is more than what many others get to witness in
as he has developed his skills and knowledge further, Siraj their entire lifetime. He has also encountered animals such
takes great pride in his work and tirelessly sensitizes and as brown bear, Himalayan lynx, leopard cat, wolf, markhor,
encourages local communities towards wildlife conservation. Himalayan ibex and blue sheep, all of which he says he feels
is his valiant duty to protect.
Though Siraj draws immense value and purpose from
his work, he laments that during long surveys when
communication is scarce and distances long, he fiercely
misses his family especially during dinner time. On long,
cold and lonely nights he has his memories to keep him
warm and he confesses that often he is brought back to his
most memorable field visit.

It was the camera trapping study of Broghil National Park
and Qurumber National park that covered the two beautiful
provinces of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 16

“SPOTLIGHT

SLF STAR

Yasmeen Cheema

ENTERPRISE

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

“Today the Enterprise Development

department of SLF is thriving due to the
hard work of colleagues like Yasmin who

directly engage with communities and
change mindsets and lives.

SPOT LIGHT

Name: Yasmeen Cheema Her favourite activity during field visits is witnessing the
Designation: Enterprise Development Officer hard work and commitment of the local artisan working
who are not only tirelessly working to spread messages
Yasmeen has been working barriers. However, today of conservation in their community but are also uplifting
with the Snow Leopard the Enterprise Development communities and families through sustainable enterprise
Foundation since 2012 as department is thriving development.
an Enterprise Development thanks to the hard work
Officer. Back then the of colleagues like Yasmin After working eights years in this field though, Yasmeen
Enterprise Development who directly engage with has also identified various bottlenecks that she hopes will
department of SLF was communities and change continue to get resolved as initiatives such as Punaar and
in its nascency with very mindsets and lives. other enterprise development initiatives come to fruition
small-scale production and highlight best practices.
of handicrafts such as In 2019, SLF has even
napkins, working with launched a community “We carry out numerous orientation and refresher sessions
a few local women. artisan program called to facilitate the artisans and make sure they are utilising
Yasmeen recalled that “Punaar” that is not only all their potential and the tools available to them but still
the initial challenge that financially empowering sometimes we face quality issues as we have a certain
she faced was convincing local women but also market standard to upkeep to be competitive. Every year
communities and female strengthening market though, I see the quality improving!”, added Yasmeen.
artisans to speak and linkages while shifting
work with the foundation perceptions regarding
as skepticism and cultural women’s role in making
gender norms placed lasting community.

“My first field activity was a visit to our project area
in Kuju Chitral where I got to meet local artisans

and understand better how enterprise development
worked. Our project has come a long way since then,”

shared Yasmeen.

WORKING WITH LOCAL WOMEN ARTISANS

Yasmeen shared that her favourite part of the job,
working with local women artisans is also sometimes
the most challenging as gender based social restrictions
on women are still persistent and unrelenting as women
are not readily allowed to work with organisations
or leave their homes. While these initiatives aim to
empower women to be more financially and socially
independent, the barrier to entry and access is difficult
to overcome.

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 18

SPOT LIGHT agents of change, Illiteracy and The theory of change and behaviour
communication barriers sometimes change are constantly being evolved
While SLF’s initiatives have made slow down or bring to a standstill by workers like Yasmeen for more
strides in engaging women and transformative change in communities. sustainable impact.
community members in conservation
sensitisation and helped them become

Yasmeen recalls her most challenging one of the project’s most prominent has raised napkin production from
field visit during a harsh winter in the artisans and they have successfully 2000 to 6000, which is a threefold
valley of Gilgit Baltistan where she and helped their families financially. This increase. While numbers give the
team mates had to go door-to-door kind of transformation is what inspires overall impact, Yasmeen believes
to carry out surveys despite the bitter Yasmin to keep going. Her hard work that true change is unmeasurable,
cold. She was at times disheartened has unlocked several achievements. it is the transformation that occurs
as residents refused to participate. She has established seven new at the individual, communal and
One such village was Goleen, where Female Snow Leopard Conservation environmental level and what she is
most residents flat out refused to allow Organisations (FSLCOs) in Chitral most proud of.
women to even talk to NGO workers. region while when she joined there
Today, the women of Goleen are only two FSLCOs in 2012. She

“

Yasmeen has established
seven new Female Snow

leopard Conservation
organisations in Chitral region

while when she joined there
only two FSLCOs in 2012. She
has raised napkin production
from 2000 to 6000, which is a

threefold increase.

“

19 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

“FEATURE

STORY

Conservation

TOURISM
“SLF has been working in fragile ecosystems

of Gilgit-Baltistan since 1997 and believes
that conservation tourism is the best solution

for promoting tourism, protecting local
cultures and landscapes while engaging all
stakeholders for collaborative exploration.

FEATURE STORY

Bela Shounter Valley, Nelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (May 30, 2019)

Conservation Tourism: Protecting Our Dreamscapes

Conservation tourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed

natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial
mass tourism.

Towering peaks of the majestic
of Passu. Rich and welcoming

local culture. The aquamarine
waters of the legendary Lake Attabad.

The ever-changing stunning leaves

of Hunza’s trees from the golden

yellows and oranges of fall, the soft

snow covered branches of winter, the

sprouting cherry blossoms of spring

and the refreshing crisp greens of

the summer, bring with each passing

season throngs of tourists from all

over the globe. The northern areas

of Pakistan have a huge draw for

many reasons such as adventure

tourism and mountain climbing but

the biggest feature is the relatively Attabad Lake

untouched and pristine beauty of the Conservation tourism or ecotourism, then, provides a timely and innovative
area. However, tourism is a threat to solution to counter the negative impacts of mass tourism. Conservation tourism
the very thing that makes the North- is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undis-
ern areas of Pakistan unique — its turbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alterna-
untainted beauty. tive to standard commercial mass tourism.

21 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

FEATURE STORY

Conservation Tourism vs.
Commercial Tourism

Pollution is a huge issue in Pakistan’s pristine
locations as many travelers and locals are not
sensitized to their negative impact on the fragile
ecosystem.

The economic influx that landscapes such as Murree,

commercial tourism brings Swat, Shogran, Naran,

is usually a boon to tourism Kaghan and Azad Kashmir,

but in pristine ecosystems and serve as a cautionary

like that of mountainous tale for areas further up-

terrains, glaciers, parks north in Gilgit-Baltistan,

and small communities, a region which is already

there can be various experiencing adverse impact

unintended consequences of climate change and

such as pollution, detriment carbon emissions.

to natural environments,

dismantling of communal Laws and guidelines exist,

set-ups, deforestation, but they are not enforced. Shandur Lake, GB

commercialisation and For instance, Khunjerab Pass influx simply does not match the staff capacity and tourism
infrastructure in the area.
corporate appropriation. is the world’s highest paved
Though the government is aggressively promoting tourism
Pollution is a huge issue in mountain pass connecting in order to boost GDP, Pakistan’s tourism infrastructure is
inadequate in securing long-term sustainability for short-
Pakistan’s pristine locations Pakistan with China and the term financial gains. The Northern Areas are home to
fragile ecosystems which can be irreversibly damaged by a
as many travelers and locals Khunjerab National Park is single season of unchecked tourism and so timely action is
of the utmost importance.
are not sensitized to their a major tourist attraction

negative impact on the but the number of staff

fragile ecosystem. is too small to police the

relatively large area and

Pollution and mass tourism hence, implementation of

has already wreaked the law, such as littering

havoc on once-pristine fines, is weak. The tourism

Pakistan Top Holiday
Destination in 2020

An Opportunity and Challenge

Pakistan has been named the ‘Condé Nast Traveler’ Lists Pakistan As The travel company, Wild Frontiers named Pakistan as the
top holiday destination for The Best Holiday Destination For 2020 best country to travel to in 2020. In a short announcement,
travelers for the year 2020 the company tipped Pakistan as the next big destination
by the United States-based for a couple of years, reporting a 20 per cent increase in
luxury and lifestyle publica- customers willing to travel to Pakistan compared to 2018.
tion Conde Nast Traveler.
Pakistan has acquired a cult In 2018, the British Backpacker Society had also ranked
following of sorts as many Pakistan the number one travel destination in the world
bloggers, YouTube vloggers,
magazines and adventure CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 22
clubs have touted Pakistan as
a must-see travel destination
for those yearning for an
off-the-beaten-path holiday.

FEATURE STORY for Pakistan’s burgeoning tourism but also leverage innovative ways to
reputation and also tarnish the pristine make tourism more efficient.
especially pointing out the beauty of ecology tourists are so attracted and Ecological tourism or conservation
Gilgit-Baltistan and adventure travel. locals survive on. tourism where tourists travel with
the intent of learning about the
The country’s tourism board is trying The World Tourism Organisation local environment and culture
to profit from the hype by promoting defines “tourism carrying capacity” without causing harm could
tourism as they did by holding a as “the maximum number of people be the way forward. The Snow
National Tourism Conference earlier that may visit a tourist destination Leopard Foundation has been
in 2019. at the same time, without causing working in fragile ecosystems of
destruction of the physical, economic, Gilgit-Baltistan since 2006 and
However, though this spotlight is well- socio-cultural environment and an believe that conservation tourism
deserved and a long time coming unacceptable decrease in the quality is the best solution for promoting
for Pakistan, the country is simply not of visitors’ satisfaction.” It is clear that tourism, protecting local cultures
equipped with robust enough tourism before Pakistan cements itself on the and landscapes while engaging
infrastructure to host huge numbers adventure map for travel enthusiasts, it all stakeholders for collaborative
of tourists from various cultures and must first increase its tourism capacity exploration.
countries. Cultural and ecological
insensitivity could spell disaster

23 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

Pioneering Conservation Tourism FEATURE STORY

Pakistan Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program Hopper Valley
Barpu Glacier
The Snow Leopard Foundation has rich insight and a well-researched view
on protecting pristine ecosystems and conserving carnivorous populations.

The Snow Leopard Foundation has play a pivotal role in environmental
been developing Ecotourism Sites in balance and health. It is equally
PSLEP Project Valleys such as Hopper important for tourists to get educated
Valley. Working in Pakistan since 2008 about the sensitivity of the areas they
the foundation has unprecedented visit particularly with respect to those
local hands-on data and wisdom areas having endangered species
about the delicate ecology of natural such as snow leopards. Awareness to
resources, glaciers, wildlife and local communities about tourists and
community, they also have primary ecotourism is also necessary to create
data on how tourism has impacted options of enhanced livelihood for
areas in Gilgit-Baltistan. them.

While understanding tourism’s SLF is working with all relevant
environmental impact, The Snow stakeholders including government
Leopard Foundation has a nuanced authorities, tour operators, local
view of how to not only protect pristine communities, tourists and the
ecosystems but conserve carnivorous hospitality industry to commit to the
populations as well, such as ibex
and snow leopard in the areas that conservation of natural and cultural

resources.

KEY FACTORS OF ECOTOURISM IN SNOW LEOPARD HABITAT:

Helps to reduce the effects of global warming and climate change.
Minimizes human snow leopard conflict.
Counters physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impact such as
damage to property, landscape or wildlife habitat.
Development of environmental and cultural harmony through awareness
and respect of the local community.
Provides positive experiences for both tourists and hosts.
Contributes to the local economy by purchase of locally made products.
Allows recognition and appreciation of local culture and heritage.

Development of PSLEP Ecotourism Sites in Snow Leopard Habitat

As part of the valley conservation plans in each of the three PSLEP landscapes, Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) has decid-
ed to initiate the ecotourism sites development from Gilgit Baltistan.

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 24

FEATURE STORY

In the first phase of site development, the following four valleys have been identified:

Landscape Region V Hopper
A
L Rupal

Karakoram Gilgit L Bagrot
Pamir Baltistan E

Y Haramosh

As a pilot project, SLF has selected Hopper valley, District Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan as the first ecotourism site in PSLEP project.

HOPPER VALLEY MAP

ACCESSIBILITY

Gilgit to Aliabad via Karakoram Highway – 2 hour drive
Off KKH to Hopper valley – 18.5 kms (40-50 minute drive)

25 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

FEATURE STORY

Community Engagement for Conservation Tourism

An integral piece of the In these community
conservation ecotourism meetings the SLF Team
puzzle is community conducted a detailed
engagement because it is consultation with project
the local and indigenous communities of Hopper
communities that have the Valley selected for the
richest and most nuanced promotion of ecotourism
knowledge on the delicate and developed a road
ecological and human map to get the pilot project
balance as well as the most going. A major component
novel solutions. Hence, of developing conservation
SLF held a number of tourism in the area entails
community meetings with the identification and
various locals from Hopper sustainable development of
Valley gather community attractions, amenities and
insights. potential features of the
valley.

Workshop on Ecotourism Promotion in
Snow Leopard Habitat

SLF also organized a one and Wildlife Department and capacity building for allowing conservation
day workshop in Gilgit. members offered invaluable trainings for each local tourism thrive in the country,
Community members information regarding community were identified. so local communities and
from all four selected improvements in infrastruc- The workshop came to a ecosystems can thrive
valleys participated in the ture and facilities which close with much excitement alongside.
workshop. Tour operators, were identified. The current and enthusiasm for the
officials from NGOs, law status of tourism in each upcoming developments
enforcement agencies and valley was also assessed
GB Forest and Wildlife
department also attended
the event. Secretary Forest,
Wildlife and Environment
Gilgit Baltistan, Asifullah
Khan was the chief guest at
the workshop. The workshop
was conducted by President,
Sustainable Tourism
Foundation Pakistan, Aftab
Rana who is one of the
pioneers of tourism industry
in Pakistan. Consensus
was reached among all
community members and
workshop leaders regarding
the pressing need for
developing conservation
tourism in the valley.
Gilgit Baltistan Forest

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 26

27 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 Conservation Tourism Road Map

1 BOARDING & LODGING FACILITIES 3 TRAINING FOR TOURIST MANAGEMENT 5 CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION 7 ORGANIC PRODUCE
• Capacity building of villagers
• Sustainable hotel construction: At the • Training of local guides and porters • Installation of dustbins for waste for growing organic produce
moment there are 17 rooms available in 4 • Capacity building of villagers for management management
hotels of tourists • Huts and washrooms to be 8 PARAGLIDING SITE
• Camping site: Camping site with a capacity constructed in the trekking fields • Consultation with
of 10-15 camps professional paragliders for
6 TREKKING EQUIPMENT setting up paragliding site
2 SIGNAGE & INFORMATION 4 VOCATIONAL CENTER FOR HANDICRAFTS • Purchase and correct use of in the valley
trekking equipment
• Designing and installation of • Vocational center for women for the
signage boards from KKH to Hopar production of handicrafts
valley
• Tourist information center and
information board in the village

FEATURE STORY

Tourists excited to participate in sustainable and mindful exploration of Hopper Valley can look forward to these activities:

123

Trekking the Hopper Glacier Trekking the Mountains Wildlife Sighting

Hopper glacier is one of the only two Hopper valley is surrounded by high Watching wild animals in their natural
moving glaciers in the world and is altitude mountains which offer trekking habitat is a wondrous treat and unique
over 18 kms long. The oneway walking opportunities for tourists. SLF will be experience. SLF will have tours to the
distance from village to glacier is about offering sustainable and eco-friendly western side of valley whose mountains
30 minutes and its rocky and uneven trekking with direct access to Haramosh offer the possibility of wildlife sighting
path makes it risky. However, with the Valley which is a 3 day trek as well as including snow leopard and ibex.
right guides and safety ropes/ chains, trekking the mountains that lead to
the SLF trek make it safe and an the exquisite Rush Lake touted as the
unforgettable, once in a lifetime activity highest lake in the world.
for tourists.

4 5 6
Paragliding Local Handicrafts & Gems Camping Site

Hopper valley has tremendous potential Unfortunately, every magical holiday Camping is one of the tourist activities
for paragliding from the mountains experience comes to an end eventually that can be the most memorable but
situated opposite Hopper glacier. A but keep the memory alive by also has the most logistical planning
team from Bulgaria visited the valley taking a piece of Gilgit-Baltistan with and implementation, as well as the
recently and evaluated the technical you! Intricate local handicrafts and most hazard of pollution and ecological
requirements for paragliding. They stunning gem stones of the area made degradation. SLF’s camping site not
found this location as most suitable for sustainably and fairly traded will keep only sustainably facilitates tourists’
paragliding. The local community is you connected to Pakistan forever. camping experience but ensures that
building track to climb the mountain as local communities and environment is
it has another tourist attraction in the not negatively impacted.
form of ruins of an ancient fort. This
safe, enthralling and breath-taking
adventure awaits our tourists!

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 28

“COMMUNITY &
CONSERVATION

Community Support

INITIATIVES

“SLF has shifted the goals of carnivore management
from those based on fear and narrow economic
interests to those based on a better understanding
of ecosystem function and adaptive management
by working closely with communities in proximity to

carnivore populations.

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

Snow Leopard Community Support Initiatives

Bridging the Human - Carnivore Conflict

In a society where much food production and income is generated from livestock, a single carnivore attack
can spell disaster financially and emotionally.

itmight be hard for a city- provides livelihood and life but nature Foundation focuses is on the conflict
dweller to imagine a life that is can also be unpredictable and bring between communities and carnivores.
dependent on the elements of destruction.
nature. Where sudden In a society where much
and erratic weather One of the major human-nature food production and
changes can spell the conflict that the Snow Leopard income is generated
difference between from livestock, a single
profit or poverty. Where carnivore attack can
life is dictated by the spell disaster financially
changing sun, shadows and emotionally. The
and seasons. Where an loss of livestock and
attack on one’s livestock subsequent livestock can
can mean irreparable foster within individuals
loss for the entire a deep disdain for the
family’s future. offending carnivores
and quite often, even
Such is indeed the case revenge. Animal
for the communities that farmers, are then more
live in Snow Leopard likely to kill carnivores
Foundation’s project such as snow leopards
areas of Gilgit Baltistan in a misguided effort to protect their
and Chitral. Communities relationship livestock.
with nature is complex as nature both

Thus, carnivore conservation depends on the social realities as much as the biological landscape. Changing attitudes and
behaviors regarding nature within communities is imperative to ensure sustainability and mutual benefit.

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 30

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

The Snow Leopard Foundation has shifted the goals of very cooperative and they support the regional teams in
carnivore management from those based on fear and narrow implementing project interventions. They appreciate and
economic interests to those based on a better understanding value all the activities being conducted under community
of ecosystem function and adaptive management by support initiatives as they see the benefits to them and their
working closely with communities in proximity to carnivore environment. Through interventions like our community
populations. In doing so, SLF has seen greater success in based livestock insurance and vaccination programs, we
modifying the manner and frequency with which the activities are helping local herders better absorb the financial impact
of humans and domestic animals intersect with those of of livestock losses – and people’s attitudes towards the cats
carnivores. This success has also paved the way for carnivore have improved as a consequence. Other initiatives include
populations to persist for decades despite human population construction of predator proof corrals, establishment of
growth and modification of habitat. nature clubs in local schools, development of skill centers for
women artisans and development of conservation tourism
The local communities of SLF/ PSLEP project valleys are sites.

31 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

Snow Leopard Foundation Community Support Initiatives to increase conservation awareness and counter the human -
carnivore conflict, are:

1. Livestock Insurance Scheme (LIS) or Livestock Support Fund (LSF)
2. Livestock Vaccination
3. Predator Proof Corrals (PPCs)

Livestock Insurance Scheme: Safeguarding Financial Futures

According to our research, snow leopards have a narrow local persistence of the snow leopard.
diet spectrum and tend to prefer mountain ungulates,
even where this prey is much less abundant than livestock. Retaliatory killing of snow leopards in response to
Then, how is it that the killing of livestock by snow predation on livestock is a significant factor in their
leopards is one of the key fuel for the human-carnivore endangerment, and a livelihood challenge for local
conflict? Snow leopards are picky eaters and this makes communities. This conservation conflict has multiple
the snow leopard particularly sensitive to human-induced dimensions, including the reality of livestock damage
local depletion of wild prey, as retaliatory killing by and the financial and emotional detriment to affected
herders can exert a heavy toll on snow leopards’ feeding people. We at SLF believe that this conservation conflict is
on domestic ungulates. The restoration of a community a shared problem that can be rectified through dialogue
of wild prey species, for example, through reintroductions and fact sharing with impacted communities and a
and/or freeing up areas from excessive livestock grazing, multifaceted approach that protects the snow leopard,
is an important management instrument to promote the livestock and community.

This is the rationale behind our Livestock Insurance Scheme for the insurance scheme and each family also chips in
(LIS) which provides safety nets and workable strategies a nominal fee to build ownership, accountability and
to protect livelihood and compensate for damages to sustainability. These efforts have seen a sharp decline
livelihoods of the poor communities. The link between in retaliatory killings and not only improved the human
livestock losses and conservation conflicts has prompted and snow leopard relationship but also empowered
livestock insurance schemes with the general goal of communities to build solutions to everyday problems.
improving attitudes towards carnivores and mitigating
losses to farmers. SLF and its partners have promoted
community-based livestock insurance schemes in PSLEP
valleys, in recognition of the significant economic burden
posed by carnivore depredation on affected herder
communities. These insurance schemes provide for
the compensation of livestock losses due to carnivore
depredation through funds built up from seed grant
and regular insurance premiums paid by participating
households.

A single snow leopard attack can kill up to twenty five
domesticated livestock spelling disaster for
agropastoral communities. SLF provides seed funding

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 32

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

Livestock Vaccination: Healthy Livestock Means a Happy Home

Compared to snow leopard vaccination drives in all
attacks that account for three project valleys of
about 5% livestock mortality, Azad Jammu and Kashmir,
diseases claim a whopping Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral.
20%. Though it is much Each year almost 200,000
easier to blanket blame livestock are vaccinataed
snow leopards for livestock and protected in these
losses by farmers as they areas and result in higher
have an identifiable flesh reproduction. As the
and blood enemy, rather population increases so
than an elusive disease. does the compensation to
That is why securing these communities which
livestock health to prevent proves more sustainable
rising livestock losses is than any monetary
imperative to secure the amount can. This has also
financial future of these raised awareness on the
families, but also to importance of livestock
conserve snow leopards and health and investment as
their habitat. beneficiaries see the net
benefits of a healthy cow or
This is why SLF has been goat for a happy home!
conducting bi-annual

Predator Proof Corrals: Securing Livestock and Livelihoods

Livestock depredation is a key source of snow leopard Traditional Corral
mortality across much of the species’ range. Snow leopards
break into livestock corrals, killing many domestic ani-
mals and thereby inflicting substantial economic damage.
Locals may retaliate by killing the cat and selling its parts.
Predator-proofing of corrals has emerged as an important
conflict-mitigation tool. In Pakistan, many communities
have traditionally shared large corrals, holding the livestock
of several families. These are usually solid constructions of
stone and wood but their doors and roofs are often un-
secured and allow predators easy access. Decline in wild
ungulate populations due to competition from livestock is
another threat to snow leopards.

Predator Proof Corral Research on snow leopard diet shows that globally about
25% of snow leopards’ food is based on domestic livestock.
This number is twice as high for Pakistan due to poorly
made corrals that should serve as shelter and barrier from
predators such as snow leopards. Prevention is better for
farmers when it comes to predation, so investment in more
secure corrals to decrease snow leopard attacks is key to
improve the perceptions and attitudes around snow leop-
ards and secure herder livelihood. Preventing predation
directly helps reduce a major threat to snow leopards, and
is an immediate response to a pressing issue for many
communities in snow leopard habitat. Furthermore, by
building a physical infrastructure that has uplifted commu-
nities directly, SLF has fostered and built a strong bond of
trust and respect in project communities.

33 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

Under PSLEP, we have improved the construction of 50
corrals in project areas. Other than protecting local
livestock and predators through mitigating the human-
predator conflict, these corrals are providing valuable
employment opportunities for the communities, with
hiring local masons and laborers to build and maintain
the structures. Even when the herders build the corrals
themselves, they are gaining an effective skill that not only
builds their capacity but allows them to teach others as
well. These corrals also protect animals from harsh weather
conditions and help reduce spread of contagious diseases
by providing bigger and hygienic space for the livestock.
SLF constructed predator proof corrals are the first defense
to lessen the human-carnivore conflict and protects livestock,
herders and snow leopards in an eco-friendly way.

MAP: Current spread of the corrals in the program sites

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 34

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

Snow Leopard Enterprises

Empowering Rural Women to Become Change-Leaders

SLE empowers marginalised segments of our intervention area by providing them with the support and
sensitisation needed to become change-leaders and conservationists in their communities.

Snow Leopard Enterprises support and sensitisation
Program (SLEP) is a needed to become change-
multifaceted and holistic leaders and conservationists
initiative that addresses in their communities.
the behavior change, The SLE program focuses
compensatory mechanisms specifically on uplifting
and structural needs of women as they have the
communities to establish a power to transform families
better relationship to nature financially while also
and carnivore populations. cementing behavior change
One of the underlying by educating their children
components of the program and other community
is to strengthen community members.
based conservation efforts
through identifying and By sensitising female
introducing diversified rural artisans regarding
and innovative means of the positive ripple effect
livelihood and reducing of conservation in their
vulnerability of local community and linking
livelihood means through them with a national and
skill enhancement and global market, SLEP garners
linkages development. various socioeconomic and
SLE empowers marginalised conservation benefits that
segments of our intervention further strengthen SLF’s core
area by providing with the work.

The SLE program provides to people sharing the
an alternate source of snow leopard habitat, their
income to female artisans motivation for poaching
living in the snow leopard reduces and as a result,
habitat. The engagement conservation efforts can
with SLE allows them to earn continue without hindrances
a dignified and improved and obstacles posed by
wage that in turn uplifts the communities. As SLF
their socio-economic status. has gained credibility as
As the women bring in an an effective organization
income in the household, helping these communities,
they garner more respect individuals have been more
and status within their supportive and collaborative
household and society at during conservation efforts.
large. Their efforts have
also revived ancient crafts,
both at home and abroad,
keeping rich cultural
heritage intact.
As sustainable economic
opportunities are provided

35 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

THE POWER OF ONE WOMAN execute its SLE program Nisa’s extraordinary
in her village to provide craftswomenship granted
her the work position
Mubarak Nisa lives in the the perfect opportunity for a regular income source of center co-ordinator.
Her center is producing
lush and mountainous Mubarak Nisa to support to the women of her approximately 2000
napkins annually and the
village of Kuju in Chitral her husband in managing community, including women working there earn
upwards of PKR Rs. 80,000
with her family. She the household expenses herself. She was essential to 100,000 per year, which
is supplementary income
has five children and is that really boosts a family’s
financial security.
adamant to give them all Mubarak Nisa herself
earns about PKR 120,000
a quality education so they per annum from napkin
production and commis-
can have thriving careers sion as center coordinator.
Apart from this income she
and lives. Her daughter is also engaged with SLF as
master trainer and has fast
is studying in a private become an integral team
member at SLF.
college, while the other
Nisa believes that in
children are also studying addition to financial
incentives and betterment,
in private schools. However, the improvement in
women’s confidence and
affording quality education leadership ability is an
impact of this initiative that
had always been an uphill is palpable yet intangible
and immeasurable.
battle for Mubarak Nisa The community has
become a role model of
and her husband, whose sorts in advocating for
environmental rights and
income as a government dispelling misconceptions
regarding the carnivore-
worker is quite meagre to human conflict. Mubarak
Nisa considers herself
support five children as a strong proponent
of conservation and
well an ailing mother and a community action, and is
instilling these values in
disabled brother. her children as well so they
may have a future that
Several years ago, inflation flourishes alongside their
natural landscape.
hit the family very hard and

the couple were left with

the very difficult decision

of either pulling out one

or few of the children

from school or taking a

hefty loan. Both options What started as a desperate attempt to help her
came with disheartening family’s financial situation has become a higher
consequences. Mubarak calling and true passion for Mubarak Nisa.
Nisa tried to get

employment anywhere she “SLF has brought drastic change in the lives
could but due to belonging of rural women in the region by providing
from a socially restricted income opportunities at their doorsteps.
community where women Now most of the women of her community
have very few opportunities are become helping hands to their families
to a paid job, she was left
without much recourse. especially in their children educational
A glimmer of hope came to expenses,”
shared Nisa.

her when she heard that an

organisation called Snow

Leopard Foundation was and continue providing all in establishing a skill

starting an intervention in her children with quality center in her village
Chitral and linking women education. where 25 women were

with home based work She then quickly submitted selected and trained in

opportunities. This was a resolution to SLF to embroidery work. Mubarak

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 36

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION Bringing Historical Heritage in to the
‘Global’ Markets of the Future
PUNAAR

A delicate small purple-pink flower under Snow Leopard Foundation to The brand was officially launched with
growing in Chitral - Punaar, covers create beautiful, long lasting and a small-scale pop-up store as part
lush green valleys and though it looks unique products using embroidery of a bigger exhibition at the British
fragile and beautiful, it is in fact a and craft from Pakistan’s mountains, High Commission’s Xmas bazaar in
mighty flower with mythic powers. particularly with communities who December 2019. The products were
Indigenous to Chitral, the flower’s share the snow leopard habitat. The very well received by the diplomatic
powder is touted to have healing brand aims to be free-trade, eco- community as well as locals. The event
powers for sight and is often used in conscious and ethical, providing was also a wonderful networking
the making of surma. The history and women artisans a fair wage and opportunity to grow a network of
cultural symbolism of Punaar is why a stake in community change. By other artists and vendors working in
SLF chose this flower as their brand providing an alternate source of the handicrafts industry, while also
name and motif to launch a new income to communities who share the planning collaborations.
project under SLE. snow leopard habitat, Punaar aims to
improve and sustain the conservation
Punaar was launched in 2019 is an efforts being undertaken by Snow
initiative to as a sub-brand of SLE Leopard Foundation.

Just like Punaar the flower being global markets to ensure that As Punaar works with skilled artisans,
indigenous to Chitral, the brand seeks Punaar’s unique beauty is promoted quality is always guaranteed and we
to promote and revive indigenous far and wide. While SLEP has had have produced vibrant embroidered
patterns, colors, stitching techniques a considerable impact on the lives cushions, wall hangings, embroidered
of the area; while also bringing the of women and communities locally, scarves/stoles and will soon be adding
ancient tech-niques in to the modern SLF believes that true sustainability is stylish women’s clutches, homeware
world by experimenting with different only possible when local and global table mats and runners, products
products and functionality. The locally linkages are fostered and supply made from wool and accessories.
sourced and produced handicrafts chains strengthen to produce the
are then marketed to urbane and highest quality product. SLF has big plans for Punaar this year

37 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

as we aim to turn it into a full fledged, COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

functional brand with a market recall All social innovation requires sustain-
ability to truly empower artisans and
value, diverse range of products the community while ensuring the lon-
both in terms of price and type, as gevity of the initiative. Thus, financial
well as an active social media and sustainability is the top priority for the
web presence. We are in the midst brand. At the moment, SLE is depedent
of setting up of Punaar’s e-store that on donor funding, however, we aim to
will cater to customers within Pakistan make SLE self-sufficient and contribute
and eventually, globally. We are also its sales and revenue to the program.
establishing a similar work model in This will allow the Punaar brand to not
Gilgit and to use traditional Gilgiti only thrive and bloom but enrich the
embroidery to create a new exciting whole SLE ecosystem that surrounds it,
products. growing it abundantly.

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 38

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

39 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 40

COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

41 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

RESEARCH

PA P E R S

Publications

IN 2019
“We conduct objective oriented research

to gather critical information required for
conservation, like assessing population of
snow leopard and other carnivores and their
prey base, determining suitable habitats,
and assessing wildlife-human conflict levels.
“

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN 2019

Critical Assessment of Asiatic Ibex (Capra Ibex Sibirica) for
Sustainable Harvesting in Northern Areas of Pakistan

Shahid Ahmad, Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Hussain Ali, Ejaz ur Rahman, Jaffar ud Din, Muhammad Younas,
Tauheed Ullah Khan, Charlotte Hacker, Li Yang, Ghulam Nabi, Sami Ullah, Kunyuan Wanghe, Sher Shah,
Minhao Chen, Sajjad Saeed, Xiaofeng Luan

Global Ecology and Conservation, 2020 vol: 22 pp: e00907

Northern regions of Pakistan support a relatively and a density of 6.24ibex/km2, and lastly KNP with
large population of wild ungulates, the preferred 463 individuals (95%CI ± 93.5) and a density of
prey of sympatric carnivores. The Asiatic ibex (Capra 0.14ibex/km2. A total of 52 herds were sighted in
Ibex Sibirica) is one such an ungulate species which Gojal watershed with mean size of 19 ibex/herd (SE
also serves as an important trophy animal. The ± 3.2). In Socterabad, 28 herds were sighted with
maintenance of trophy hunting programs rely on mean size of 16.07 ibex/herd (SE ± 2.4) and in KNP
estimates of harvestable population sizes derived 28 herds were sighted with average recorded size
from rigorous methods. The present study successfully of 16.5 ibex/herd (SE ± 3.4). In KNP Sex ratios of
used the double observer-based Capture-Mark- female to young, female to yearling and female to
Recapture (CMR) method to produce a reliable and male were 1:0.7, 1:0.4, and 1:0.5 respectively. The
accurate estimate of the Asiatic ibex population in detection probability of observer two was less than
the Community Control Hunting Areas (CCHAs) of observer one. Ibex biomass recorded is insufficient
Socterabad, Gojal watershed and Khunjerab National for current recorded snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
Park (KNP). Ibex population surveys were conducted and wolf (Canis lupus) population in the area. Our
from 30th September to 15th October 2014. In KNP study validates the use of Capture Mark Recapture
the survey was conducted in the first week of January as a viable tool in discerning ungulate populations,
2015. The total ibex population was calculated to and shows that the population of the Asiatic ibex is
be 1075 individuals (95%CI ± 670) with a density viable in the study area, making it suitable for trophy
of 1.43 ibex/km2 in Gojal watershed, followed by hunting programs but need to modify the hunting
Socterabad with 856 individuals (95%CI ± 680) law.

43 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN 2019

Population Structure of Blue Sheep (Pseudios Nayaur) in
Shimshal Valley Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

Romaan Hayat Khattak, Hussain Ali, Ejaz Ur Rehman and Muhammad Ali Nawaz

Pakistan Journal of. Zoology, Vol. 52, Iss. 2, pp 699-707

Blue sheep is a key species and found in Tibetan present study showed a female-biased sex ratio
Plateau and the bordering massif through Central (80 male/100 females), probably due to ongoing
Asia. In Pakistan the distribution range of species is trophy hunting. The young to female ratio (0.5)
restricted to higher altitude areas of Northern Areas indicated ongoing recruitment of young. The trophy
including Khunjerab and Shimshal. The present hunting operates on a sustainable use approach, as
study was conducted from 25 September 2014 to limited animals are harvested to generate economic
23 October 2014, to estimate the population size of revenues for poor mountain communities, which in
blue sheep in Shimshal and Socterabad Community turn protects the entire population and associated
Controlled Hunting Areas, by employing recently ecosystem from illegal massive hunting. The present
developed double observer-based Capture Mark study successfully tested CMR method, and produced
Recapture method (CMR). A population of 834 ±356 reliable and accurate estimate of the population,
were estimated in Shimshal and Socterabad CCHAs, which could help in determining sustainable trophy
with an estimated density of 0.6 sheep/km2. The quota.

Blue sheep photo-captured in Shimshal

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 44

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN 2019

Diet of the Brown Bear in Himalaya: Combining Classical
and Molecular Genetic Techniques

Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Alice Valentini, Noor Kamal Khan, Christian Miquel, Pierre Taberlet, Jon E. Swenson

PLOS ONE, vol. 14issue 12(2019) pp: e0225698Published by Public Library of Science

The ecological requirements of brown bears are perhaps because the availability of the major diet
poorly known in the Himalaya region, which (graminoids) did not change over the foraging
complicates conservation efforts. We documented period. Male brown bears were more carnivorous
the diet of the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus than females, probably because of their larger size,
arctos isabellinus) by combining classical scat which requires higher energy and also makes them
analysis and a newly developed molecular genetic more efficient in capturing marmots. Frequencies of
technique (the trnL approach), in Deosai National three plant species were also significantly higher in
Park, Pakistan. Brown bears consumed over 50 male brown bears; Bistorta affinis, Carex diluta, and
plant species, invertebrates, ungulates, and several Carex sp. Diet of the brown bear differed significantly
rodents. Eight plant families; Poaceae, Polygonaceae, between the park and surrounding valleys. In valleys,
Cyperaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, diet consisted predominantly of graminoids and
Lamiaceae, and Rubiaceae were commonly eaten crops, whereas the park provided more nutritious
with graminoids comprising the bulk of the diet. and diverse food. The estimated digestible energy
Golden marmots comprised the major mammalian available to brown bears in Deosai was the lowest
biomass in the park, and were also the main meat documented among brown bear populations, due to
source for bears. Animal matter, making 36% of the lack of fruits and a relatively lower meat content.
dietary content, contributed half of the digestible The low nutritious diet and high cost of metabolism
energy, due to its higher nutritious value. We did in a high-altitude environment, probably explains the
not find a significant temporal pattern in diet, very low reproductive potential of this population.

45 CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN 2019

A Transboundary Study of Spatiotemporal Patterns
of Livestock Predation and Prey Preferences by Snow
Leopard and Wolf in the Pamir

Jaffar Ud Din, Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Tahir Mehmood, Hussain Ali, Aziz Ali, Durriyyah Sharifah Hasan, Adlie
Yusoff Norma-Rashid

Global Ecology and Conservation, 2019 vol: 20 pp: e00719

Livestock depredation by the snow leopard and the season-valley interactions to be influential over the
wolf is an eliciting human-carnivore conflict across predation count. The snow leopard contrary to the
their overlapping ranges and augments the economic wolf showed more spatial variability for predation
burden of the disadvantaged agro-pastoralist in Afghan Pamir as compared to Pakistan and
communities who share the mountain ecosystem with Tajik Pamir. Similarly, the snow leopard predation
the carnivores. Hence, understanding of the patterns on livestock varied over time as compared to the
and drivers of the conflict is essential to establish wolf. On the temporal scale, the snow leopard was
informed conservation measures. Human-carnivore exclusively crepuscular, while the wolf was found
conflict is poorly understood in the transboundary to be an opportunist. Both the predators preferred
region of Pamir, covering Afghanistan, Pakistan, and young animals over adults. Amongst livestock type,
Tajikistan. In this paper, we have investigated the sheep and goat accounted for 92% offtake. Our
spatiotemporal dynamics of livestock depredation results reinstate that livestock predation by these
and prey selection by the snow leopard and the two large carnivores is a serious conservation
wolf, through a questionnaire survey of trans-border issue in the Pamir. We recommend short and long
pastoralist communities living around the Pamir Knot. term conservation measures and promotion of
Our results revealed an explicit seasonal and spatial transboundary cooperation to protect the snow
variation in livestock depredation by snow leopard leopard and sympatric predators in tandem with
and wolf across the study sites. The mixed-effect safeguards for mountain livelihoods.
regression model reflected the effect of the valley and

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES MAY 2020 46

“LOOKING BACK

AT THE YEAR 2019

SLF’s Journey for

WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION

“Just like the snow leopard habitats and its
landscapes, our journey has been full of
challenges, hardships and difficulties but
with passion and hard work of our team we
were able to achieve many milestones and

success in 2019.