Abstract: Ladakh lies between the Great Himalayas and the formidable Karakoram mountains.
Its unique landscape and rich cultural heritage have been a great attraction to tourists all over
the world. Apart from its uniqueness it has a rich Trans-Himalayan bio-diversity and is home
to the rare and elusive snow leopard. It opened to tourism in 1974 with a handful of tourists
and has gone up to the present number of about 18,000 visitors annually. Ecotourism started in Ladakh in mid 80s in the form of conservation of traditional
architecture when local communities realized the importance of their rich culture and
traditions being valued by the visiting tourists. However, while tourism became a major
source of income to people in Leh, most of the benefits stayed with outside (Delhi) based
travel agents thus leaving out the rural masses. During the last three years Snow Leopard Conservancy and The Mountain Institute have been
initiating ecotourism activities with local communities in the Hemis National Park as an
alternate livelihood and an indirect way to compensate losses of livestock from predatory
animals. However, local people while venturing into such new initiatives have tended to be
like blind men that are being led by NGO's so that they do not stumble along their paths.

Abstract: Livestock depredation across the trans-Himalaya causes
significant economic losses to pastoralist communities. Quantification
of livestock predation and the assessment of variables associated with
depredation are crucial for designing effective long-term mitigation
measures. We investigated the patterns and factors of livestock
depredation by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) using semi-structured
questionnaires targeting herders in the Narphu valley of the Annapurna
Conservation Area, Nepal. During the two years (2017/18 and 2018/19),
73.9% of the households interviewed (n = 65) lost livestock to snow
leopards, with an annual average loss of two livestock per household. Of
the total depredation attributed to snow leopards, 55.4% were yak
(mainly female: 79%), 31.7% goat, 6.8% sheep, 3.2% horse and 2.8%
cattle. Results from applying Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs)
revealed the total number of livestock owned and the number of larger
bodied livestock species as the main explanatory covariates explaining
livestock depredation. Forty-one (41%) of all herders considered snow
leopard’s preference for domestic livestock as the main factor in
livestock predation, whereas only 5% perceived poor herding practice as
the main reason for the loss. Our study found poor and changing herding
practices in the valley, whereby 71% herders reported careful herding as
a solution to snow leopard depredation, and 15% of herders considered
the complete extermination of snow leopards as the best solution to the
problem. Tolerance levels and awareness among herders towards snow
leopard conservation is increasing, mainly due to the Buddhist religion
and strict law enforcement within this protected area. We recommend the
effective implementation of a community-based livestock insurance scheme
to compensate the economic loss of herders due to predation and improved
herding practices as the recommended mitigation measures for ensuring
livestock security and snow leopards’ conservation in the valley.

Abstract: Apparently with the decrease of number of globally endangered snow leopard due to reduction of prey species and loss of habitat, new approaches have been initiated to mitigate conflicts between herders and wildlife, ensuring local participation and building up stakeholders’ responsibility in nature conservation through supporting and guiding of local communities in participation and implementation of collaborative management in sustainable natural resource use. Actually, herder communities, aimed to protect the nature become one of that approaches and made it common consideration, especially in the buffer zones of the Turgen mountain SPA, Tsagaanshuvuut SPA and Gulzat local protected areas of Uvs aimag, where WWF MPO, UNDP and MNET are performing projects, such as “Community based conservation of biodiversity in the mountain landscapes of the Mongolia’s Altai Sayan ecoregion”. Since 2007, in Uvs aimag, particularly in Khaliunbulag bag of Khovd soum, WWF MPO initiated the compensation scheme for herders, aimed to mitigate conflicts between herders and snow leopard, reducing their loss caused by snow leopard and to support them mentally as well.
Current assessment focused on performance evaluation of “Buy sheep” program in Khaliunbulag bag and capability of herder communities , that are established around protected areas, in developing their yearly environmental workplan, including its implementation process.

Abstract: This study was aimed at assessing the status of Snow leopard, its major prey base, and the extent of human-Snow leopard conflict and major threats to the wildlife in north Chitral (Torkhow valley) Pakistan. Snow leopard occurrence was conformed through sign transect surveys i.e. SLIMS. Based on the data collected the number of Snow leopards in this survey block (1022 Kmý) is estimated to be 2-3 animals. Comparing this estimate with the available data from other parts of the district the population of snow leopard in Chitral district was count to be 36 animals. Livestock depredation reports collected from the area reflect the existence of human-snow leopard conflict and 138 cases were recorded affecting 102 families (in a period of eight years, 2001-2008). Ungulates (Himalayan Ibex) rut season surveys were conducted in coordination with NWFP Wildlife department. A total of 429 animals were counted using direct count (point method) surveys. Other snow leopard prey species recorded include marmot, hare, and game birds. Signs of other carnivores i.e. wolf, jackal, and fox were also noticed. Major threats to the survival of wildlife especially snow leopard reckoned include retaliatory killing (Shooting, Poisoning), poaching, loss of natural prey, habitat degradation (over grazing, fodder and fuel wood collection), lack of awareness, and over population. GIS map of the study area was developed highlighting the area searched for Snow leopard and its prey species. Capacity of the Wildlife Department staff was built in conducting SLIMS and ungulate surveys through class room and on field training. Awareness regarding the importance of wildlife conservation was highlighted to the students, teachers and general community through lectures and distribution of resource materials developed by WWF-Pakistan.