Abstract: The enchanting state of Uttaranchal, carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 9th November 2000, has a total area of ca. 53,485 km2 with a population density of 160 persons/ km2, much lower than the national average of 324/km2. This young state can take pride in the fact that 13.42% of its area is under protected areas. The state has varied landscapes: snow-capped and conifer forest covered mountains in the north, forest covered foothills with numerous perennial rivers and streams, locally known as the bhabar tract which includes the Himalayan foothills and the Shivalik range. As a result, the land is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife such as the golden mahseer (Tor putitora), king cobra (Ophiophagus hanna), Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), goral (Nemorhaedus goral), elephant (Elephas maximus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), leopard (P. pardus), black bear (Ursus thibetanus), and tiger (P. tigris). All across their range, most of these species are endangered. The potential of this state, with about 800 kilometers of riverine habitat, can only be surpassed by Arunachal Pradesh in terms of golden mahseer conservation. The mountains, bedecked with the scarlet flowers of rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum) in the summer months, can be a veritable home to many forms of pheasants, mountain ungulates and carnivores, provided poaching for trade is eliminated and hunting for the pot is brought under control. The bhabar forests of this state, ca. 7,500 km2, extending between Yamuna and Sharda rivers (Fig. 1.), can easily support a population of about 1000 elephants and 200 tigers as long as this large habitat, now fragmented in three blocks, is managed and protected as one continuous habitat for wildlife. Six villages, gujjar settlements and encroachments need to be moved away from the main wildlife habitat which goes along the bhabar tract. Although the conservation of these habitats can eventually bring in immense benefits through well-planned ecotourism programmes that are rapidly catching up in the state, initial conservation efforts would need a substantial amount of funds.

Abstract: This study was carried out in the Langtang National park which is situated in the Northern Part of Central Nepal. The research work on "Status, Habitat utilization and conservation of Himalayan Tahr in Langtang National Park was conducted during February to October of 2005. Altogether 468.55 hours and of 80 days with aimed to estimate the population status and Habitat utilization of Himalayan Tahr and to
recommend for appropriate management.
The study was carried out from Ghodatabela to Langsisa Kharka. The study area was divided into 5 survey blocks occupying a total of 25 sq. km. The fixed point count from ridge line vantage points were conducted for the Hamalayan Tahr count. Observed herds and individual were repeatedly counted and recorded. Local herders and key residents were interviewed. A total of 218 individuals of different age and sex Himalayan Tahr were recorded during the study in 8 different herds. Three types of herds were recognized: Adult male – adult female – young (37.5%), Adult female – young (37.5%)and adult male (25%). Survey revealed that 50 percent of Tahr herds were observed in 4200m – 4900m and least (12%) were in 3700-4000m. Animals were not located in 3850m – 4200m. Stratified random sampling was done to analyze the vegetation in their habitat and identified 47 potential plant species.
The encroachment of their habitat is severe by the excessive livestock grazing and utilization for cowshed. Noticeable disturbance felt due to frequent poaching and tourist flow. The conservation of this species seems to be vital as it is prime prey species of snow Leopard in Langtang National Park.