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Jackson, R., Wangchuk, R., & Hillard, D. (2002). Grassroots Measures to Protect the Endangered Snow Leopard from Herder Retribution: Lessons Learned from Predator-Proofing Corrals in Ladahh.. Islt: Islt.
Abstract: Livestock depredation is an increasingly contentious issue across the range of the
endangered snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Depredation is most severe in or near protected areas offering core habitat for this cat. “Surplus killing,” in which as many as 100 sheep and goats have been killed in a single night, inevitably results in attempts at retaliatory killing of predators by herders suffering significant loss. Ironically, such predation by snow leopard, wolf, or lynx can be avoided by adequately predator-proofing nighttime enclosures. Predation on the open range is far more difficult to address, but may be reduced to acceptable levels through improved day-time guarding of livestock, educating herders on the importance of protecting the predator's natural prey base, and by providing economic incentives to help offset unavoidable loss. This paper describes community-based initiatives being undertaken in India's Hemis National Park aimed at predator-proofing livestock corrals and encouraging local herders to become more effective stewards of the snow leopard, its prey and habitat. A highly participatory, 4-step process known as Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action (APPA) provides the primary mechanism for assisting communities to develop Action Plans to reduce livestock depredation losses, increase household incomes, and strengthen environmental stewardship. Herders are informed about the Snow Leopard Stewardship program and conditions for a successful outcome. The team, comprised of local people, NGO staff, facilitators and government officials, first identifies the root causes for depredation (Discovery). Under the next phase, Dreaming, participants envision how their village might appear if depredation losses were reduced to acceptable levels, household incomes increased, and snow leopards fully protected. This provides a good basis upon which to collaboratively devise actions for addressing the community's concerns (Design). Delivery involves implementing actions under the overall Action Plan, as well as specific measures that can be acted upon immediately. The community is encouraged to use simple but realistic indicators for monitoring the project's effectiveness. In Lessons Learned to Date, we highlight the importance of providing meaningful community involvement from inception through project implementation and monitoring. The use of _APPA _greatly increases ownership, communal empowerment and self-reliance, and local people's willingness to protect wildlife. The Snow Leopard Conservancy believes that the most effective conservation actions will be contingent upon (1) establishing direct linkages with biodiversity protection; (2) ensuring reciprocal co-financing and commensurate responsibility from the community; (3) encouraging full participation from all stakeholders irrespective of their gender, age or economic status; and (4) ensuring regular monitoring and evaluation under an agreed-to Action Plan that sets forth the responsibilities, contributions and obligations of each partner. |