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Author (up) Gurung, Gand T.K. url 
  Title Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) and Human Interaction in Phoo Village in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2004 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords phoo; annapurna conservation area; Nepal; livestock; human interaction; conflict management; yaks; goats; sheep; horse; corral; 5280  
  Abstract Phoo village in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in Nepal is located at 4,052 m als physically

in the central north of the country. Livestock keeping is the main activity of the people for making a

living amidst a conflict with snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Each year snow leopard kills a number of

livestock resulting significant economic losses for the poor people living in this remote area. Unless

the people – snow leopard conflict is well understood and appropriate conflict management activities

are implemented, the long run co-existence between people and snow leopard – especially the

existence of snow leopard in this part of the world -will be in question. This has now become an

utmost important as the aspiration of the people for economic development has risen significantly and

the area has been opened to tourism since spring 2002. In addition to this, the globalisation process has

directly and indirectly affected the traditional resource management practices and co-existence

strategies of many traditional societies including Phoo.

The livestock depredation for 3 years (2001 – 2004) by snow leopard was studied by interviewing the

herders to understand the responsible and specific bio-physical and socio-economic factors. The study

revealed that goats are most depredated species followed by sheep. Winter months (January – April)

and winter pastures are most vulnerable to snow leopard predation. Presence of bushes, forest and

boulders make good hides for snow leopard resulting into high depredation. The study also showed

that a lax animal guarding system was significantly responsible for high livestock depredation by snow

leopard.

The study showed that improvement in livestock guarding system should be adopted as the most

important activity. However despite the importance of livestock in the economy of Phoo it is still not

well understood why the herders neglect for proper livestock guarding. This requires further study.

Proper guarding system is required especially in winter season in winter pastures. It is also suggested

that there should be changes in the composition of livestock species by promoting more yaks and

discouraging or minimising goats. Yaks and large animals are less depredated and small animals like

goats and sheep are highly depredated by snow leopard. A trend was also observed in Phoo village

where there is an increase in the number of yaks and a decrease in the number of goats over last few

years. This could be a management response of the herders to livestock depredation. Other protective

measures of the livestock at the corrals have also been recommended including promotion of guard

dogs and other measures.

Since the area is opened for tourism, it is suggested that the tourism opportunity for the economic

development of the area should be grasped so that the heavy dependence on livestock raising would be

minimised. This will help minimise the number of human – snow leopard conflicts.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 513 Serial 363  
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