Rashid, W., Shi, J., Rahim, I. U., Dong, S., Sultan, H. (2020). Issues and Opportunities Associated with Trophy Hunting and Tourism in Khunjerab National Park, Northern Pakistan. Animals, 10(597), 1–20.
Abstract: Trophy hunting and mass tourism are the two major interventions designed to provide various socioeconomic and ecological benefits at the local and regional levels. However, these interventions have raised some serious concerns that need to be addressed. This study was conducted in Khunjerab National Park (KNP) with an aim to analyze comparatively the socioeconomic and ecological impacts of trophy hunting and mass tourism over the last three decades within the context of sustainability. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders and household interviews were conducted to collect data on trophy hunting and mass tourism, and on local attitudes towards these two interventions in and around KNP. The results revealed that 170 Ibex (Capra sibirica) and 12 Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) were hunted in the study area over the past three decades, and trophy hunting was not based on a sustainable harvest level. Trophy hunting on average generated USD 16,272 annual revenue, which was invested in community development. However, trophy hunting has greatly changed the attitudes of local residents towards wildlife: a positive attitude towards the wild ungulates and strongly negative attitude towards wild carnivores. In addition, trophy hunting has reduced the availability of ungulate prey species for Snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and consequently, Snow leopards have increased their predation on domestic livestock. This has, in turn, increased human–snow leopard conflict, as negative attitudes towards carnivores result in retaliatory killing of Snow leopards. Furthermore, according to ocial record data, the number of tourists to KNP has increased tremendously by 10,437.8%, from 1382 in 1999 to 145,633 in 2018. Mass tourism on average generated USD 33,904 annually and provided opportunities for locals to earn high incomes, but it caused damages to the environment and ecosystem in KNP through pollution generation and negative impacts on wildlife. Considering the limited benefits and significant problems created by trophy hunting and mass tourism, we suggest trophy hunting should be stopped and mass tourism should be shifted to ecotourism in and around KNP. Ecotourism could mitigate human–Snow leopard conflicts and help conserve the fragile ecosystem, while generating enough revenue incentives for the community to protect biodiversity and compensate for livestock depredation losses to Snow leopards. Our results may have implications for management of trophy hunting and mass tourism in other similar regions that deserve further investigation.
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Dang, H. (1967). The snow leopard and its prey. The Cheetal, 11, 47–58.
Abstract: Discusses distribution and habitat of snow leopard in India. Estimates population of 200-400 in entire Himalayan region. Reports seventeen occasions of observing snow leopards in the wild, one involving the killing of Himalayan thar. Discusses snow leopard hunting methods and food habits, and provides evidence of predation from examination of 17 snow leopard kills.
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Kuznetsnov, G. U., & Matyushkin, E. N. (1980). The snow leopard hunts. Int.Ped.Book of Snow Leopards, 11, 44–48.
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Rowell, G. (1983). China's Wildlife Lament. International Wildlife, 13(6), 4–11.
Abstract: Reports sightings of snow leopard in Qinghai Province. One freshly killed; a 15 yuan bounty exists on snow leopards
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Schaller, G. B. (1976). Mountain mammals in Pakistan. Oryx, 13, 351–356.
Abstract: Four or five snow leopards were present in 300 sq km of Chitral District in 1974. Six snow leopards were shot in vicinity of Chitral Gol in winter of 1971-1972, and at least one the next year. Estimates fewer then 250 snow leopards in Pakistan.
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Jackson, R. M. (1979). Snow Leopards in Nepal. Oryx, 15, 191–195.
Abstract: Reviews in detail occurence, status, and conservation measures related to snow leopards in Nepal. Estimates 150-300 snow leopards in Nepal. Local hunters can get 10 to 50 US dollars for a pelt
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Jackson, R. (1979). Aboriginal hunting in West Nepal with reference to musk deer (Moschus moschiferous) and the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Biol.Conservation, 16, 63–72.
Abstract: Describes local hunting methods,economics of hunting and estimated impact on snow leopard populations. Comments on conservation measures taken by government of Nepal
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Oli, M. (1992). Local Hostility to Snow Leopards. Cat News, 16, 10.
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Osborne, B. C., Mallon, D. P., & Fraser, S. J. R. (1983). Ladkh, threatened stronghold of rare Himalayan mammals. Oryx, 17, 182–189.
Abstract: Reports the results of seven visits to Ladakh over past five years. The snow leopard occurs throughout Ladakh but is not common. Livestock are often taken in winter. At least five snow leopards were shot in the Suru Valley over the past five years. The pelt is worth about $350 in Srinagar.
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Heinen, J. T., & Leisure, B. (1993). A new look at Himalayan Fur Trade. Oryx, 27(4), 231–238.
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