The Wwf Snow Leopard Action Strategy for the Himalayan Region July 2006

THE WWF SNOW LEOPARD ACTION STRATEGY FOR THE HIMALAYAN REGION JULY 2006

COMPILED BY Eric Wikramanayake Vijay Moktan Tariq Aziz Sarala Khaling Ashiq Ahmad Khan Dawa Tshering Picture courtesy: Bruce Bunting, WWF canon photo, Tashi Tshering Cover and layout design : Tashi Tshering, WWF Bhutan Program Office EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The snow leopard faces multiple threats in the Himalayan region, from habitat degradation, loss of prey, the trade in pelts, parts and live animals, and conflict with humans, primarily pastoralists. Con- sequently, the populations are considered to be in decline and the species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN’s Red List. As a ‘flagship’ and ‘umbrella’ species the snow leopard can be a unifying biological feature to raise awareness of its plight and the need for conservation, which will benefit other facets of Himalayan biodiversity as well. Some studies of snow leopards have been conducted in the Himalayan region. But, because of its elusive nature and preference for remote and inaccessible habitat, knowledge of the ecology and behavior of this mystical montane predator is scant. The available information, however, suggests that snow leopards occur at low densities and large areas of habitat are required to conserve a viable population. Thus, many researchers and conservationists have advocated landscape-scale approaches to conservation within a regional context, rather than focusing on individual protected areas.

This regional strategy for WWF’s snow leopard conservation program is built on such an approach. The following were identified as important regional issues: 1) international trade in snow leopards and parts; 2) the human-snow leopard conflict; 3) the need for a landscape approach to conservation to provide large spatial areas that can support demographically and ecologically viable snow leopard metapopulations; 4) research on snow leopard ecology to develop long-term, science-based conservation management plans; and 5) regional coordination and dialog.

While the issues are regional, the WWF’s in the region have developed 5-year strategic actions and activities, using the regional strategies as a touchstone, which will be implemented at national levels. The WWF’s will develop proposals based on these strategic actions, with estimated budgets, for use by the network for funding and fund-raising.

WWF also recognizes the need to collaborate and coordinate within the network and with other organizations in the region to achieve conservation goals in an efficient manner, and will form a working group to coordinate activities and monitor progress. 1. INTRODUCTION relegating conservation actions to mostly guesswork (Jackson and Ahlborn, 1990). The The snow leopard’s (Uncia uncia) range cross- scanty information that exists indicates that es several central and south Asian countries, snow leopards occur at very low densities including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, and usually have large home ranges, often Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, exceeding 100 km2. Thus, effective conserva- Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. tion will require conserving adequate habitat But, despite its extensive distribution, snow at landscape-scales to manage metapopula- leopard populations are patchily distributed tions, rather than small populations isolated within the range and animals occur at low within protected areas (Ale and Karky 2002, densities. The total effective global popula- WWF and ICIMOD 2001). Such strategies have tion is estimated at less than 2,500 mature been adopted for other Asian megafauna; breeding individuals, with no subpopulation e.g., the Asian elephant, the three species of exceeding 250 breeding individuals (Nowell rhinoceros (WWF 1998), and the tiger (WWF and Jackson, 1996). The population trend is 2002, Dinerstein et al. 1997, Wikramanayake also believed to be in decline due to habitat et al. 2004). A similar strategy is the objective loss, a declining prey base, and widespread of this plan. persecution; all factors contributing to its En- dangered status in the IUCN Red List (IUCN The snow leopard can be a focal species for 2004). landscape conservation planning in the montane areas of the Himalayas, as elephants, rhi- As a ‘flagship’ species the mystical snow leop- nos, and tigers have done for other landscapes ard can be a unifying biological icon that can elsewhere in South and Southeast Asia and in rally the regional players in the conservation the lowlands of the Himalayas as well. WWF arena, and become a symbol for international has identified several priority conservation cooperation in regional conservation (Bhat- landscapes in the Eastern Himalayan moun- nagar et al. 2002). As an ‘umbrella’ species, tain range for biodiversity conservation, and the ecological and behavioral requirements these can anchor a regional snow leopard of snow leopards will also help to conserve conservation strategy. The contiguity of these the other facets of biodiversity in the alpine landscapes across the eastern Himalayas also ecoregions of the highest mountain range in supports the need for transboundary coop- the world. eration for effective snow leopard conservation (Singh and Jackson 1999), and thus the Unfortunately the snow leopard’s charismatic regional nature of this strategic plan. appeal does not extend to the people who live and eke out a livelihood in the same, often desolate, habitat. Across the Himalayas snow leopards are hunted for their highly- prized pelts and bones and persecuted because they prey on domestic livestock, in part a consequence of a declining prey base (Mc- Carthy and Chapron, 2003). In many areas the fragile alpine habitat of snow leopards are also becoming degraded and fragmented as a consequence of intensifying grazing pres- sure from increasing numbers of livestock. Almost all of the range countries have ex- pressed concern about the threats that are contributing towards the decline of snow leopard populations, and have taken steps to protect them. However, because of their secretive habits in inaccessible and remote habitats, virtually nothing is known about the ecology and behavior of snow leopards,

2. WWF’S HIMALAYA REGIONAL This working group was supported by: SNOW LEOPARD ACTION STRATEGY WORKSHOP Rodney Jackson, Ph.D. Snow Leopard Con- servancy Samuel Lee, TRAFFIC East Asia and Asian Big In March 2005, WWF organized a regional Cats Focal point of TRAFFIC Snow Leopard Action Strategy Workshop in David Mallon, Ph.D. Snow Leopard Network Paro, Bhutan. The goal of this workshop was Thomas McCarthy, Ph.D. International Snow to develop WWF’s regional strategy and ac- Leopard Trust tion plan for snow leopard conservation in Callum Rankine, WWF UK the Himalayas (including the trans-Himalaya Stephanie Thiele, TRAFFIC and the Hindu Kush-Karakoram regions of Eric Wikramanayake, Ph.D. WWF US far-western Himalaya). During the workshop1 a Snow Leopard Working Group was formed The working group members were tasked to develop the regional snow leopard con- with identifying priority areas and action servation action strategies by June 2006. This strategies for snow leopard conservation in working group comprised of the following their respective countries for WWF network representatives from the region’s WWF net- investment within the context of a regional work: strategy that would adequately and effec- Vijay Moktan, WWF Bhutan Program tively address the ecological requirements Tariq Aziz, WWF India of snow leopards and the threats they face. Sarala Khaling, Ph.D. WWF Nepal Program The 5 year action strategies presented in this Ashiq A. Khan, WWF Pakistan report will therefore be the touchstone for Dawa Tsering WWF Tibet Program snow leopard conservation investments by the WWF network.

1See Annex 1 for the workshop proceedings 3. AVAILABLE RESOURCES the database of available publications and reports) will be available to WWF for develop- Discussions during the workshop revealed ing conservation programs, and the ISLT will that some countries had more experiences also provide technical assistance as required. and successes at implementing various activities than others. To take advantage of these The Snow Leopard Conservancy experiences, this strategy will facilitate a dia- The Snow Leopard Conservancy has pledged log among the WWFs and partners to share assistance toward regional conservation ini- experiences—both successes and failures— tiatives. The organization also has expertise that can lead to better conservation and re- in people-wildlife conflict resolution, teleme- gional cooperation; a process that will be sus- try, and survey and inventory methodologies tained through a formalized working group. among other technical support. Other organizations working in snow leopard conservation in the region represented at the Snow Leopard Habitat Model workshop pledged assistance and an interest Potential snow leopard habitat in the region in forging close collaborations and partner- had been modeled by ISLT over 15 years ago ships to further the overall goal of conserving (Jackson and Ahlborn 1990). In 2005, WWF re- the snow leopards in the Himalayan Moun- modeled the potential habitat map for parts tains. of the Eastern Himalayas using more recent imagery of land cover and the 90m Digital International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT) Elevation Model (GTOPO30) (Figure 1). These At the regional workshop, Dr Tom McCarthy, potential habitat models can be used to iden- ISLT, urged all WWF’s (represented by the des- tify the important landscapes for snow leop- ignated point persons in the working group) ard conservation in the Himalaya region2 . to join the Snow Leopard Network (SLN), if they have not already done so. The SLN is 2 The WWF habitat model covers the extent from Central Ne- a professional association of snow leopard pal to Eastern Bhutan. Although the habitat modeling was researchers and conservationists from the not undertaken for Arunachal Pradesh, there is good con- private sector, NGOs, academia and govern- cordance between this model and the snow leopard habitat ments who share a common goal of conserv- identified by Jackson and Ahlborn 1990, which indicates ing the cats. SLN and its resources (including small extents of good snow leopard habitat along the northern boundary of Arunachal Pradesh.

Figure 1. Potential snow leopard habitat in the eastern Himalayan region. The habitat in blue is based on GIS modelling undertaken by WWF. Habitat in yel- low indicates the good snow leopard habitat identified by the International Snow LeopardTrust (Jackson and Ahlborn 1990).

4. MAJOR CONSERVATION ISSUES the ungulates are persecuted, resulting in a depressed prey base for the snow leopards, Participants identified several major issues to compromising the survival of snow leopards. be addressed in order to achieve the objec- This also leads to an increase in depredations tives of a regional snow leopard conservation on domestic livestock—and thus, conflict— strategy. as the snow leopards seek an alternative prey source. WWF Bhutan has proposed to International Trade establish a research program to investigate The international trade in snow leopards and the relationship between wild ungulates and snow leopard parts was considered an im- domestic livestock to determine the extent portant cross-cutting theme that has to be of competition for forage between these spe- addressed on a region-wide scale. An emerg- cies. The results should have regional value ing demand for pelts in Tibet for costume in conservation planning, especially with the adornment was highlighted as a major issue, possible need for grazing exclusion zones and as was a market for snow leopard cubs by col- awareness campaigns among the herders. lectors, zoos, and menageries. Based on the workshop outcomes several strategic actions Landscapes were identified as part of the 10-year strategy, Because snow leopards live at low densi- and the role of TRAFFIC was considered vital. ties and require large spatial areas, conserving a large population will require extensive Human-Snow Leopard Conflict spatial areas; a strategy that can be best Conflict with people due to livestock depre- achieved through a landscape approach to dation by snow leopards was seen as a major conservation (Jackson and Ahlborn 1990, Vil- threat. WWF Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan will larubia and Jackson 1994). Thus, the choice of investigate the patterns of conflict and dep- priority areas becomes an important factor in redation across the Himalayas and develop a regional conservation strategy. WWF Nepal mitigation strategies. While these mitigation has identified the Sacred Himalayan - Land strategies can be country or region specific, scape (SHL) in the eastern part of the coun- there is scope to learn from each other and try as an important area for its program. This implement successful models more widely, landscape has the potential to link with the with appropriate adaptations, across the re- B2C2 landscape, the priority in Bhutan, across gion. the Sikkim Himalaya in India. In the west, the SHL also links with potential snow leopard Prey is a fundamental requirement for preda- habitat in the vast Quomoloangma Wildlife tors. Thus, snow leopard existence depends Preserve in the Tibet Autonomous Region. on the presence of an adequate prey base, These transboundary links are an important especially of the larger montane ungulates. part of the regional strategy since they create Unfortunately there is a perception among large areas of contiguous habitat to conserve herders that the wild ungulates compete metapopulations of snow leopards, and thus with domestic livestock for forage. Therefore, increase the effective population size.

Snow Leopard, its habitat and prey (blue sheep)

Knowledge of Snow Leopard Biology and identify snow leopard habitat in Ecology priority landscapes, and community- based monitoring programs using Despite several studies over the years (see standardized SLIMS protocols (ISLT ISLT and SLN, 2003), a good understanding of 1996) in strategic sites. the ecology and behavior of snow leopards in the Himalayas is still lacking. Most research • Support a regional initiative to address has been conducted in the western Hima- wildlife trade. WWF will work closely layas, and the results are admittedly biased with TRAFFIC in this effort. because of the limited accessibility to habitat • Support programs to mitigate the by researchers. Thus, WWF will prioritize re- human–snow leopard conflict in the search on the ecology and behavior of snow conservation landscapes. Initial pilot leopards using satellite-GPS collars to better projects will be assessed, adapted, determine their habitat use and movement and replicated across the region as patterns. By combining the remotely-ac- and when appropriate. The intention quired data locations with satellite imagery, is to create a ‘tool box’ of solutions that we can have better information about the can be of regional utility to manage preferred habitat and other spatial require- conflict. ments of snow leopards. This information is vital to designing and managing landscapes • Support transboundary dialog for snow leopards. through an annual meeting of the snow leopard working group to discuss conservation actions and issues, and 5. REGIONAL STRATEGIES share lessons. The working group will also be tasked with monitoring Based on these issues, the following are seen progress of the regional strategy as important regional strategies for WWF and actions, and report outcomes at support: international snow leopard symposia.

• Comprehensive, long-term research • Work closely with other partners and of snow leopards for a better organizations working towards snow understanding of their biology and leopard conservation in the region. ecology for conservation planning While these strategies are regional in context, and management. they will be implemented through country- level action plans. These 5-year plans will be • A focus on conservation landscapes reviewed and, where appropriate, revised for to support demographically and a further 5 years following the first phase of ecologically viable snow leopard implementation of the 10 year regional strat- metapopulations. In order to achieve egy. this, WWF will support efforts to

Snow Leopard habitat in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan Pic. by Tashi Tshering, WWF Bhutan 6. WWF COUNTRY STRATEGIES AND The Bhutan Biological Conservation Com- ACTIONS plex (B2C2) landscape is contiguous with the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, which also includes important snow leopard habitat. Bhutan While the focus of Bhutan’s conservation ac- WWF Bhutan Program provides financial sup- tions has been the B2C2, recent modeling of port to the government’s Nature Conserva- potential snow leopard habitat, undertaken tion Division (NCD), which is mandated with in collaboration with WWF US, using GIS the actual implementation of conservation analyses and available remote-sensed data programs. (habitat and the 90m DEM), indicates that large areas of potential habitat lie outside of Assistance to the NCD to develop a National its protected areas and designated corridor Snow Leopard Action Plan will be a major fo- areas (Figure 2). Therefore, the B2C2’s north- cus of WWF Bhutan’s snow leopard strategy ern corridor boundaries will be re-defined to and action plan. include important snow leopard habitat. Basic ecological data on snow leopards in Because of the contiguity of snow leopard Bhutan is scant. There exists only two survey habitat with neighboring countries and the reports (from 1997 and 2000) on snow leop- extensive spatial requirements of snow leopard and prey populations in Bhutan; thus, ards—the estimated population in Bhutan additional information is vital to develop a is 100-200 animals distributed over 10,000 sound conservation action. km2 of potential habitat (Jackson et al., 1997, 2000)—the conservation plan will be devel- WWF will support research on snow leopard oped with a regional context to identify and ecology, predator-prey relationships, and in- maintain ecological and demographic links teractions between prey species and domes- with populations in neighboring countries. tic livestock.

Figure 2. Potential Snow leopard habitat in Bhutan. Model- ling indicates considerable Snow Leopard habitat outside the protected areas and corridors of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex (B2C2).

A SLIMS program will be implemented to (SLIMS) workshop and training was conduct- monitor population trends over the long ed, also in Thimphu and JDNP, and 31 forestry term. The project will also establish mecha- officials participated. nisms to ensure regular flow of scientific -in formation from the field and for maintenance In 2006 a grant agreement was signed with of central databases, maintained jointly in the the Royal Government of Bhutan to develop Nature Conservation Division of the Ministry a national snow leopard conservation action of Forests and Agriculture and WWF Bhutan plan. Program. The major 5-year strategic actions for WWF About 65,000 people (9% of the Bhutan’s to- Bhutan Program are: tal population) share habitat with snow leopards and practice nomadic lifestyles. Their A. Surveys and research on snow economic mainstay is yak-rearing, supple- leopards and prey species. mented by horses and sheep. The numbers of 1. Support field surveys to verify and these livestock have increased over the past update the current population several years, resulting in habitat degradation status (abundance and from trampling of the fragile alpine habitat distribution) of snow leopard and and overgrazing of palatable plants. Alpine ungulates in the potential snow scrub is also burnt to create fresh pasture, leopard habitats. and shrubs and trees are cut for firewood. 2. Support a long-term monitoring Moreover, there is a widely-held perception program based on SLIMS that wild ungulates compete with livestock protocols. for fodder; thus, the former are persecuted. 3. Support a research program All of these contribute towards undermin- on the ecology and behavior ing the long-term viability of snow leopard of snow leopards. Research will habitats and eventual population declines. Park ranger, Tenzin Phuntsho, holding a freshly killed Blue sheep at JDNP, Therefore, activities to conserve alpine habi- Bhutan, Nov. 2005 Pic. by Tashi Tshering, WWF Bhutan tat, and research to elucidate the relationships between wild ungulates and livestock are deemed priorities.

Investment towards anti-poaching and trade will be made to ensure that Bhutan is not being used as a transit route for snow leopard parts and products.

Current projects related and relevant to snow leopards in Bhutan:

The first Bhutan Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) workshop and training program was conducted in Thimphu and Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) in 1997. These were organized by the Nature Con- servation Section (now Nature Conservation Division), WWF and the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT). Fifteen forestry officials were trained in snow leopard and prey species survey and conservation techniques.

In March 2000, the second Bhutan Snow Leopard Information Management System include satellite-GPS tracking to WWF Bhutan Program has already secured identify habitat use, movement US $30,000 to support snow leopard conser- and ranging patterns. Other vation activities. research will include interactions between wild montane ungulates and domestic livestock (yak) India to understand competition for resources. The potential snow leopard habitat in the 4. Develop a map of potential habitat Eastern Himalayan region of India is in Sikkim based on field research that will: (Figure 3) and north-western part of Arunach- a) better identify important snow al Pradesh, although restricted to the extreme leopard habitat in Bhutan, and b) contribute towards a regional north, along the boundary with China in the landscape map of snow leopard latter case. The snow leopards in Sikkim are habitat. likely part of the large metapopulation that potentially extends from Quomoloangma in B. Habitat conservation and China, across the Sacred Himalayan Land- management. scape in Nepal to Jigme Dorji National Park 1. Support the redefinition of the in Bhutan (Figure 1). Hence, the snow leopard northwestern boundaries of the population in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh B2C2 to include critical snow becomes very important in this regional con- leopard habitat that is now outside text. Khangchendzonga National Park, cover- the protected areas and corridors. 2. Support the development of ing 1784 km2 in the north-western part of the conservation management plans state of Sikkim has potential snow leopard for snow leopard habitat based on habitat that will habour a core population. threats and ecological studies of snow leopards. But, unlike other snow leopard habitats in the region, no first hand data is available C. Human-wildlife conflict on the distribution and population status of management. snow leopards in Sikkim or from Arunachal 1. Support a study of the main causes Pradesh. Therefore, surveys for snow leopard of livestock depredation by snow in both States are required. leopards in three depredation intensity zones (none, medium Although significant threats to snow leop- and high) to understand conflict. ards within Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh 2. Support a study of herding seem unlikely because they live far away practices to determine the main from human habitations, the impact from reasons for livestock depredation the presence of semi-nomadic Yak herders by snow leopards and design and and the Indian Army in the potential habi- implement mitigation measures. tat cannot be ruled out. Therefore, building strategic partnerships with the Government D. Creating an enabling environment. departments such as the Forest Department, 1. Support the preparation of the Ministry of Defense and Indian Army for safe- National Snow Leopard Action guarding the habitat of this threatened spe- Plan for Bhutan. cies and maintaining regional connectivity of 2. Support recruitment and training the Eastern Himalayan population is a prior- of staff in Department of Forests ity. Within this context, the strategic actions (NCD/Territorial division) for WWF-India for the next 5 years are: 3. Develop partnerships from community-levels to regional- levels to implement the snow leopard program. A. Research and monitoring of current 2. Understand traditional population and distribution of management systems of Yak snow leopard and its prey species. and other livestock within snow leopard habitats. 1. Conduct field studies to assess the current status and distribution of 3. Mitigate direct and indirect snow leopard and its prey species impacts, if any, of livestock grazing in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh through innovative methods and using SLIMS protocol. policy initiatives, if necessary.

2. Assess human wildlife conflict 4. Study impact of military presence with reference to snow leopards on populations of snow leopard in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. and its prey species and their 3. Build capacity of stakeholders, habitat. such as the Forest Department field staff, Himal Rakshak Force (in 5. Ascertain the extent of human– Sikkim), armed forces personnel snow leopard conflict. and CBOs for long term 6. Management of feral dogs in snow monitoring of snow leopard and leopard habitats in North Sikkim its prey population. district.

4. Preparation of a long-term SLIMS 7. Assist the state governments monitoring plan. prepare management plans of B. Conservation management of snow protected areas that include snow leopard and its prey. leopard habitat, and in creation of new protected areas where 1. Assess threats to the habitat necessary (especially community of snow leopard in Sikkim and reserves and conservation Arunachal Pradesh.

Figure 3. Potential Snow Leopard habitat in Sikkim 10 reserves) to include snow leopard 2. Policy advocacy with the habitats. State Governments to reduce anthropogenic pressures on snow C. Awareness generation on snow leopard habitats. leopard. 3. Policy advocacy and support to 1. Create awareness, through formal create a locally managed snow and non-formal education, leopard conservation fund for on need for conservation of long term monitoring of snow snow leopards and their role in leopard populations. maintaining the balance in alpine ecosystems.

2. Create awareness among the field Nepal personnel of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibet Border Police on need WWF Nepal Program’s snow leopard conser- for snow leopard conservation. vation plan will be anchored to key issues in the National Snow Leopard Conservation 3. Educate the trekkers visiting Action Plan, but expanded in scope to ac- snow leopard habitats about the commodate the regional strategies. One of fragility of the habitat. these is the need to consolidate collaborative D. Strategic partnership for efforts at the landscape level between mul- conservation of snow leopard. tiple-stakeholders (including transboundary alliances) to achieve effective conservation. 1. Partnership with local WWF will combine and expand the ongoing communities and CBOs to programs, such as the community-managed support conservation of snow monitoring programs, compensation/insur- leopard and reduce disturbance ance schemes, and anti-poaching efforts to its habitats. with research to develop a holistic program for snow leopard conservation in the Sacred

Figure 4. Potential Snow Leopard habitat in SHL, Nepal.

11 Himalayan Landscape (SHL). Some of the cur- sible populations in the Makalu-Barun Na- rent successful community-based pilot pro- tional Park and Conservation Area. The 35,000 grams will be expanded and replicated. km2 Qomolangma Nature Preserve in Tibet is linked to these protected areas via potential Although Nepal’s snow leopard population habitat corridors, offering a potentially vast is estimated at 300-500, this figure has to be transboundary conservation area. Thus, the confirmed by field surveys using standardized SHL provides an opportunity to ensure snow and technically advanced methods. Jackson leopard conservation outside the bounds of and Ahlborn (1990) concluded that 65% of protected areas with transboundary links to this snow leopard population was located other landscape-scale snow leopard conser- outside of Nepal’s protected areas; thus, land- vation areas. scape conservation becomes an important strategy. Such conservation measures should But good snow leopard populations are take into account creating dispersal corridors known from Nepal’s northwestern region, and maintaining an adequate prey base that especially in Dolpo, Humla, Mugu, Manang, can support a large snow leopard population. Mustang, and Myagdi Districts (HMG, 2005). WWF Nepal Program will also support an ex- Jackson and Ahlborn (1989) reported a den- isting project by Som Ale (Ph.D. candidate at sity of at least 5-10 snow leopards per 100 the University of Illinois, USA), to ascertain km2 in the Langu Valley, in western Nepal, in- the relationships between snow leopards dicative of a larger population relative to the and prey species (Blue sheep and Himalayan other areas. Thus, because of the importance Thar) in Sagarmatha. of the western population, conservation actions—especially community-based moni- The SHL was chosen as a priority landscape toring and conflict mitigation—will continue for WWF Nepal Program because it includes in the Dolpo area, centered on Shey Phuks- important habitat for snow leopards in the hundo National Park, where WWF Nepal Pro- Eastern Himalaya. Snow leopards have been gram has been active for over a decade. sighted to the north of the Annapurna Range, in the Langtang Himal, Rolwaling Himal, Despite enjoying full protection in Nepal un- Makalu, Walunchung and Kanchenjunga der the National Parks and Wildlife Conser- massifs. These areas, within the SHL include vation (NPWC Act 2029), snow leopards are several protected areas that are known to killed because of livestock depredation (ei- harbor snow leopards, including Langtang ther real or as a perceived threat) and for the National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, commercial trade. Retribution killing has be- Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, with pos- come a major cause of snow leopard deaths

Pic. : WWF-canon Martin Harvey 12 in Nepal, and conservation actions to miti- identify important snow leopard gate these killings are considered important. habitat for conservation of In Nepal, the villages near snow leopard habi- contiguous snow leopard habitat tat are remote and severely affected by food and maintain links between insecurity. Animal husbandry (yaks, horses, protected areas. sheep and goats), peripheral agriculture, 2. Develop management plans and and small-trading are the main livelihoods of prescriptions for conservation these poor communities, and livestock dep- interventions in important snow redation represents a significant economic leopard habitat through relevant loss. Thus, an adequate compensation mech- sectors (DOF, DDCs and other anism can go a long way towards mitigating community based organizations). retaliatory killings. 3. Strengthen Buffer Zone/ Conservation Area management Herders living along Nepal’s northern border institutions within each protected are also known to exchange snow leopard area and the VDCs (Village bones for breeding stock of domestic sheep Development Committees) from Tibet. The sale of bones offers the poor outside protected areas where mountain communities an opportunity to snow leopards occur to implement generate substantial income, especially since snow leopard conservation law enforcement is weak and the penalties programs. are insignificant. Nepal is also being used as 4. Promote community-based a transit route for trade in snow leopard and participatory land use practices other wildlife parts. like pasture improvement programs—including rotational The major strategic actions for WWF Nepal grazing, revival of traditional Program for the next 5 years include the fol- sustainable grazing regimes, stall- lowing: feeding, etc.—that support snow leopard and its prey-base for A. Research on ecology and behavior conservation. of snow leopard and its prey species. 5. Develop alternative land use 1. Promote and strengthen systems on private and public community based monitoring lands near villages and encourage of snow leopard using the SLIMS local communities to produce protocol. green forage. 2. Design and implement a long term 6. Identify traditional cultural values research program to understand and practices that fostered the ecology and behavior of snow conservation and implement leopard and their prey species programs to resurrect them for (predator-prey relationships) in sustainable habitat use. the priority sites. The research will include a long-term project C. Human-snow leopard conflict. to track snow leopard habitat 1. Develop a holistic, comprehensive use and movement behavior plan to understand the issues of using satellite-GPS collars, which human-snow leopard conflict and will remove the biases due to mitigate conflict. This will include researcher-inaccessibility to all the following: snow leopard habitats. • Conduct a detailed study on human–snow leopard B. Habitat prioritization, management conflict that includes extent and restoration. of conflict, economic loss 1. Refine the potential habitat model incurred, households most for the SHL using the information affected, depredation rates from the research program to and causes. 13 • Prepare an inventory of enforcement, policy-making, and livestock pens in wintering identification of illegal wildlife and areas of snow leopards, parts). depredation events, and E. Education, communication and behavioral profiles of snow awareness building. leopards. 1. Strengthen general awareness • Provide assistance for on snow leopards and their construction of predator- importance to the mountain proof goth (corrals) through ecosystem through formal (school local community-based curriculum) and informal sectors institutions in pilot sites. (eco-clubs, adult literacy classes, • Establish a system of mother groups and others). community herders and 2. Promote coordination with locally guard dogs through the elected governing bodies and snow leopard conservation community-based institutions like committees to safeguard the Snow Leopard Conservation foraging livestock in high Committees to develop joint conflict areas. programs. • Establish and support a 3. Develop awareness and education Livestock Depredation programs to sensitize visitors, Insurance Scheme owned traders, and tourists on the snow and managed by the local leopard’s status and need for community for cost-benefit conservation. sharing in one site as a pilot. 4. Promote awareness and Replicate if successful. sensitization programs targeting • Support income groups who are in direct conflict generating pilot programs, with snow leopards, (e.g., herder (e.g., tourism), designed groups), through forums to by the communities in demonstrate the economic areas of high loss due to benefits and links to snow leopard depredation. conservation (insurance schemes, • Coordinate with the District alternate livelihood opportunities, Livestock Office for availing enterprise development). veterinary care for livestock including those injured F. Partnership development in snow in snow leopard attacks, leopard conservation. and to prevent disease 1. Promote regional initiatives transmission between with organizations like ISLT for wildlife and livestock. joint programs and organization learning. D. Snow leopard trade and poaching 2. Support policy advocacy initiatives issues. for national governments to 1. Promote community-based anti- enhance the understanding of poaching operations to reduce issues on snow leopard trade and and curb snow leopard poaching. related transboundary issues. 2. Strengthen and enhance the 3. Promote multi-stakeholder intelligence network that provides platforms at the national level to information on the illegal snow review and audit snow leopard leopard trade. conservation efforts. 3. Strengthen the capacity of government agencies active in WWF Nepal Program has secured $100,000 enforcement against illegal for snow leopard conservation from the WWF wildlife trade (including network during 2005. 14 Figure 5. Snow Leopard project areas in Pakistan

Pakistan terprise that brings in economic benefits to the local communities.

WWF Pakistan’s snow leopard conservation Other potential partners now active in Paki- activities are focused in the northern part of stan include the Snow Leopard Conservancy, the country, where the potential snow leop- which is providing SLIMS training to commu- ard habitat occurs (Figure 5). The three dis- nities in Blatistan and Shimshal in Northern tricts in this region have been prioritized on Pakistan, and is also engaged in research on the basis of potential habitat as: Priority 1 - snow leopard ecology. The IUCN is imple- Northern Areas and Chitral; Priority 2 – Swat; menting the Mountain Areas Conservancy and Priority 3 – Azad Jammu Kashmir. Project which has a snow leopard conservation component, while the Government and WWF Pakistan’s strategy is to implement in- provincial Wildlife Departments are commit- novative programs that will help to minimize ted to protecting the snow leopard and its conflict between snow leopards and people. prey species through legal cover and man- These community-based projects—many aging the community-based trophy hunting are pilot programs—will have relevance for program. broader regional application. WWF Pakistan will work in close collaboration with several The Fullmoon Trekking Company is promot- other organizations, both international and ing snow leopard conservation through ecot- local, in designing and implementing these ourism, and has established a model livestock programs. Prominent among them is collabo- depredation insurance scheme to mitigate ration with ISLT in the Azad Jammu Kashmir wildlife conflict related issues. This project region to develop an integrated approach to includes survey treks in Baltistan, in northern improve snow leopard conservation by mini- Pakistan to estimate snow leopard popula- mizing conflict with herders. The project has tions and monitor habitat status. already established models that have helped to minimize livestock depredation and retaliatory killing by promoting better livestock husbandry methods and a Snow Leopard En-

15 The major strategic actions for WWF Pakistan promote awareness on during the next 5 years include the follow- snow leopard conservation ing: issues; and c. arranging orientation A. Research and monitoring. workshops for policy 1. Implement a monitoring program makers on illegal trade of using the SLIMS protocols to: snow leopard and other a. a) to identify areas of wildlife. conservation concern in Northern Areas, Chitral, D. Infrastructure, equipment, and Swat and Azad Jammu human resource development. Kashmir, and in pilot 1. Strengthen capacity of agencies project sites; and responsible for surveys and b. b) measure the impact of patrolling for protection, conservation projects. monitoring, and research. Support 2. Ascertain the extent of snow additional staff recruitment as leopard poaching in northern necessary. Pakistan. 3. Develop a program to promote E. Networking and collaborations. and support research by university 1. Support, develop, and lobby for students that can address critical necessary MoUs and agreements questions necessary for effective with relevant governmental and conservation management of non governmental organizations snow leopards. for effective snow leopard conservation, including at regional B. Human-snow leopard conflict level. mitigation. 1. Assess and replicate existing successful snow leopard enterprises and animal husbandry programs in the Northern Areas, Tibet Autonomous Region Chitral, Swat, and Azad Jammu (China) Kashmir in a strategic manner. 2. Design and implement alternative pilot programs where the above A large-scale conservation plan to protect mentioned are unsuccessful. the snow leopard throughout its range in western China has yet to be developed and C. Education and awareness. implemented. Although the snow leopard is 1. Develop an overall education officially protected, active protection meas- and awareness strategy for snow ures are largely limited to western China’s leopard conservation in Pakistan established nature reserves. These reserves that includes: only cover a portion of the species’ habitat in a. establishing schools nature western China, which includes vast areas of clubs in the Northern Areas, Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Chitral, Swat, and Azad Inner Mongolia. From the limited evidence Jammu Kashmir, training gathered by field researchers, it is known that snow leopard populations are widely dis- relevant teachers in snow leopard conservation tributed throughout much of Tibet, with the needs; highest population densities having been b. establishing youth recorded in Ngari Prefecture, the southern community clubs, Chang Tang Region, the Himalayas, and the especially in western part of Shigatse Prefecture. However, demonstration sites, to evidence of snow leopard presence has been 16 found all seven prefectures of the Tibet Au- parts and small-scale surveys on snow leop- tonomous Region (TAR) (data source: Tibet ard population distribution and human-snow Forestry Bureaus, WWF). leopard conflicts. In 2005, WWF launched the campaign “Curbing Market Demand for Asian Today, the snow leopard population in Tibet Big Cat (ABC) Skins”, in cooperation with vari- faces numerous direct threats. Snow leopards ous other NGOs and government agencies. are killed to meet market demand for tradi- As part of this campaign WWF organized a tional Chinese medicine and for quasi tradi- regional workshop to develop a conservation tional fur-trimmed Tibetan garments and by strategy for ABC species, and implemented local herders who believe they are a threat several projects aimed at generating public to their domestic livestock herds. Snow leop- awareness, reducing human-wildlife con- ards are also captured for sale to zoos. They flicts, strengthening law enforcement, and are also threatened indirectly by a dwindling assessing the market for ABC skins in Tibet. prey species base as well as by encroachment However, snow leopard specific conservation of expanding human populations into snow actions have yet to be developed. leopard habitat. Immediate conservation measures must be implemented to conserve The following are projects related and rel- the snow leopard in Tibet and throughout its evant to snow leopards in the Tibet Autono- range in western China. mous Region:

While there is no national conservation pro- Human-wildlife conflict survey in Chang gram to protect the snow leopard through- Tang: out its range in western China, a few regional The human-wildlife conflict has become a projects have already been started. In 2004, major challenge since sheep, yak, and hors- the Xinjiang Conservation Fund (XCF) con- es are killed by snow leopards in the central ducted two surveys in Xinjiang with the sup- Chang Tang every year, and consequently port of the International Snow Leopard Trust snow leopards are killed by herders. Accord- (ISLT) and WWF, while WWF has also support- ing to WWF’s surveys and local reserve man- ed some limited snow leopard monitoring agement bureaus’ reports, at least 12 snow in the Chang Tang region since 2002. In ad- leopards were killed in the Chang Tang during dition, The Mountain Institute (TMI) recently the last 10 years. In order to reduce and stop implemented a wildlife protection project retaliation killing of snow leopards, WWF has and conducted surveys on human-wildlife conducted a field survey to understand the conflict in the Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) Na- conflict and will develop conservation meas- tional Nature Reserve (QNNR). Although the ures to address the issue in the future. TMI project included snow leopards, it was not snow leopard specific. Wildlife monitoring project : WWF has established wildlife protection sta- At present, on-going snow leopard conserva- tions in Chang Tang for patrolling, wildlife tion measures in Tibet are largely limited to monitoring, and for conservation education. controlling the illegal trade in snow leopard This project has been ongoing for the past

Snow Leopard pelts sold in Tibet

17 three years and data are collected by WWF tem in collaboration with neighboring coun- and TAR Forestry Bureau. One of the goals of tries. The ultimate goal of monitoring efforts the project is to build this information in a GIS will be to collect up-to-date data, build an system in order to provide a scientific basis information system at the regional level, and for future wildlife conservation measures and establish a scientific basis for conservation policies in the region, including for the snow action. leopard. Conflict resolution: Compensation Fund project: Local herders and officials working with WWF WWF supports Tsonyi County (central Chang have identified victim compensation as a tem- Tang) to operate a compensation fund, which porary method for resolving human-wildlife was established in 2005. About 260 house- conflicts in the Chang Tang Nature Reserve. holds received complensation last year. An- WWF has supported the establishment of other fund will be established in Shenzha compensation funds in both Shuanghu and County in 2006. Nima Counties. However, this method may not applicable in other regions, and meth- WWF’s future snow leopard conservation ods of sustainable conflict resolution should strategy in Tibet will focus on raising public be decided upon by local people. In order to awareness, field monitoring, conflict resolu- do this, comprehensive survey work will be tion, and curbing demand for snow leopard required to better understand the causes of skins and parts. these conflicts and develop proper solutions to address them. Raising Public Awareness: Generating greater awareness about threats Curbing demand for snow leopard skins and to snow leopards and bringing about chang- parts: es in attitudes and behavior towards snow The growing demand for fur trimmed tradi- leopards depend on education. In Tibet It is tional Tibetan garments is a leading cause of essential to develop educational materials in the precipitous decline of ABC species in the Tibetan and Chinese in the form of posters, wild including not only of tiger and leopard brochures and short videos for free distribu- populations but also of lynx and snow leop- tion. Methods of public education should ards. The goal of WWF’s ongoing ABC conser- also include training workshops radio and vation program is to put an end to this de- TV broadcasts, and public presentations at mand through a combination of consumer schools and other forums. education and improved law enforcement efforts. Although this campaign is not snow WWF has been implementing conservation leopard specific, it will serve to increase pub- education programs in the Chang Tang re- lic awareness about Tibet’s native big cat and gion for several years in conjunction with the reduce demand for snow leopard furs and Tibet Forestry Bureau and other local part- parts. ners, and this experience will be a great as- set when expanding conservation education The WWF China-Tibet Program’s major 5-year programs to other regions of Tibet. strategic actions for snow leopard conservation are: Monitoring: WWF plans to implement a snow leopard Awareness Raising: monitoring project in the Chang Tang Nature 1 Design posters and brochures for free Reserve, and later expand the project to the distribution in Tibetan communities; southeast and northeast areas of the Tibet 2 Organize 2-3 workshops in QNNR and Autonomous Region. WWF also plans to im- Ngari Prefecture to educate nomads, plement monitoring projects in the Himala- farmers, and local officials about threats yas (QNNR, and Ngari and Loka Prefectures) to snow leopards, preventing human- and build an information management sys- wildlife conflicts, and promoting local

18 people's participation in conservation 2 Strengthen law enforcement and conflict resolution efforts; capacity with respect to relevant laws 3 Organize events in Lhasa to educate fur concerning wildlife trade, markets, and dealers and potential wildlife product consumption; consumers; 3 Improve wildlife trade and protection 4 Produce a short video to introduce policies. snow leopard issues for presentation at workshops and TV broadcasts; 5 Organize a TV panel discussion program Regional Activities: featuring a snow leopard specialist, conservationist, and local officials and In addition to the country-focused activities, celebrities. WWF will also support conservation actions that are coordinated, supported, or Snow Leopard Monitoring: implemented at regional scales. Trade in snow 1 Conduct ISLT SLIMS training workshops leopards and parts and transboundary dialog for conservation workers needing for regional coordination are priorities. The training on snow leopard and snow regional snow leopard working group will leopard prey species survey and be formalized to coordinate these activities. monitoring techniques; The Group will also coordinate with the ISLT 2 Carry out monitoring of snow leopards to ensure that WWF’s regional snow leopard and their prey species; conservation strategy will use the Snow 3 Conduct long term research on snow Leopard Survival Strategy as a touchstone leopard habitat and prey species; during implementation. 4 Compile research findings in WWF's on- Key strategic actions are: going TAR GIS database project 1. Support TRAFFIC in curbing Conflict Resolution: illegal wildlife trade along the 1 Replicate ongoing compensation fund international borders. efforts in other areas of high human- wildlife conflict in the TAR; 2. Support regional dialog for 2 Reduce livestock kills by improving the information sharing and design of livestock corrals and pens; improved coordination through 3 Replicate ongoing human-wildlife international meetings. conflict surveys being conducted in the 3. Promote snow leopard east and central Chang Tang region in conservation at regional forums. areas believed to have high snow leopard populations, such as the Qomolangma In August 2005, WWF and TRAFFIC organized region and Ngari Prefecture. a workshop in Lhasa, Tibet to discuss trade 4 Improve the effectiveness of ranger led in Asian Big Cats (ABCs). The outcome of the anti-poaching operations through law workshop was a strategy (Lhasa Strategy) to: enforcement techniques trainings. 1. Reduce human-wildlife conflict in 5 Reduce conflict between domestic South & East Asia. livestock and snow leopard prey species 2. Improve monitoring and analysis by improving grazing practices and of ABC trade information in the pasture land policy. Eastern Himalayas. 3. Close down trade routes and Curbing Demand for Snow Leopard Skins transit markets for ABC products. and Parts: 4. Curb market demand in Tibet for 1 Conduct a survey on the trade and illegal ABC products. consumption of snow leopard skins and parts as part of the broader ongoing Following the call for proposals, WWF UK has Asian Big Cat Program; provided £300,000 to fund the following 7 projects on trade in Asian Big Cats, which in-

19 cludes snow leopards. 1) Pugmarks of Change. WWF India 2) Illegal Wildlife Trade Monitoring in Khangchendzonga Landscape, Sikkim. WWF India 3) First Line of Defense: Halting Supply Side Trade In South Asia. TRAFFIC 4) Safety Net: Suppressing Demand Side Trade in China. TRAFFIC 5) Curbing ABC Skin Market Demand in Ti- betan Communities in China. WWF China Program 6) Developing And Strengthening Anti- Poaching Program in Bhutan. WWF Bhutan Program 7) Curbing Wildlife Trade in Nepal-Local to Global Efforts. WWF Nepal Program

For further information please contact: 1. Vijay Moktan, Senior Program Officer, WWF Bhutan Program Office, Thimphu, Bhutan E-mail : [email protected]

2. Dr. Eric Wikramanayake, Senior Conservation Scientist, WWF US E-mail : [email protected] 20 REFERENCES Jackson, R.M, T. Wangchuk, P. Namgyel, and E. Ale, S.B. and B. S. Karky. 2002. Observations Kumar. 2000, Report on Second Bhutan SLIMS on Conservation of Snow Leopards in Ne- Training Workshop, Bhutan 2000 pal. Contributed Paper to the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy Summit. May 2002. Inter- McCarthy, T. M. and G. Chapron. 2003. Snow national Snow Leopard Trust Seattle USA pp: Leopard Survival Strategy. ISLT and 3-14 SLN, Seattle, USA.

Bhatnagar Y. V., V.B. Mathur, and T. McCarthy Nowell, K. and P. Jackson. 1996. Wild Cats. 2002. A regional perspective for snow leopard Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. conservation in the Indian Trans-Himalaya. IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Contributed paper to the Snow Leopard Sur- Switzerland. vival Strategy Summit. May 2002. Seattle USA. International Snow Leopard Trust. pp:25-47. Singh, J. J. and R. Jackson. 1999. Transfrontier Conservation Areas: creating opportunities Dinerstein, E., E. D. Wikramanayake, J. Rob- for conservation, peace and the snow leop- inson, U. Karanth, A. Rabinowitz, D. Olson, T. ard in Central Asia. International Journal of Mathew, P. Hedao, and M. Conner. 1997 Part1: Wilderness 5(2):7-12. A framework for identifying high priority areas for the conservation of free-ranging tigers. Villarubia, C. and R. Jackson. 1994. Snow In: A framework for identifying high priority leopard conservation on a regional basis: El- areas and actions for the conservation of ti- ements in planning protected areas. In: Pro- gers in the wild. WWF/WCS publication. ceedings of the seventh international snow leopard symposium. Eds: J.L. Fox and D. Ji- HMG. 2005. The snow leopard conservation zeng. Published by the International Snow action plan for the Kingdom of Nepal. De- Leopard Trust in cooperation with the Chi- partment of National Parks and Wildlife Con- cago Zoological Society. servation, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conser- vation, Kathmandu, Nepal. Wikramanayake, E.D., M. McKnight, E. Diner- stein, A. Joshi, B. Gurung, and D. Smith. 2004. ISLT. 1996. Snow Leopard Survey and Conser- Designing a Conservation Landscape for Ti- vation Handbook. 154 pages. ISLT, Seattle, gers in Human-Dominated Environments. WA, USA. Conservation Biology. 18(3):839-844. ISLT and SLN. 2003. Snow Leopard Survival Strategy. ISLT and. SLN, Seattle, USA. WWF. 1998. WWF Asian rhinoceros and ele- IUCN. 2004. IUCN Red List of Threatened Spe- phant strategies (AREAS). Unpubl WWF Work- cies. shop Report.

Jackson, R. and G. Ahlborn. 1989. Snow leop- WWF. 2002. Conserving tigers in the wild. ards (Panthera uncia) in Nepal: home range Species Programme, WWF International. and movements. Nat. Geo. Research 5(2):161- WWF and ICIMOD. 2001. Ecoregion-based 175. conservation in the Eastern Himalaya. Iden- tifying Important Areas for Biodiversity Con- Jackson, R.M. and G. Ahlborn. 1990. The role servation. WWF Nepal Program, Kathmandu. of protected areas in Nepal in maintaining viable populations of snow leopards. Interna- WWF. 2005. Proceedings of the WWF South tional Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards. 6:51- Asian Regional Consultative Workshop on 69. Snow Leopard Conservation. Paro, Bhutan.

Jackson, R.M. and J.L. Fox. 1997. Report on Fourth SLIMS Training Workshop, Bhutan 1997 21