Examining Human Wild-carnivore conflicts in Kargil Trans-Himalayas, India

Ali, Iftikar

Abstract

The inevitable human interaction with wildlife often gives rise to human-wildlife conflicts
inflicting tangible (e.g., financial, persecutions) and intangible (e.g., emotional) losses on
both sides. Despite the lack of scientific records in Kargil trans-Himalaya (India), there
appears to have been an increase in negative human wild-carnivore interactions through
undocumented reports. Livestock rearing is one of the essential sources of income for the
local human population, and livestock depredation by wild carnivores instils fear and
anger among the farmers, which sometimes results in retaliatory killings of the species
responsible. Hence, this project aimed to understand and examine human wild carnivore
conflicts in Kargil and to frame a conservation action plan for the region.
To study the level and pattern of livestock depredation by wild carnivores, 334 households
across 18 villages were interviewed. The Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos
isabellinus) was reported as the main species responsible for livestock depredation cases
(n=112). The preponderance of incidents involving livestock predation were documented
to occur in the winter season (n=139) and the autumn season (n=132). Despite the
documented instances of significant livestock losses resulting from predation, the local
farmers reported a positive perspective towards the wild carnivores of the region.
Furthermore, awareness and attitudes toward wildlife species among the university
students from Kargil were studied through online surveys. The findings indicated that the
students exhibited a good level of knowledge and a favourable attitude toward the wild
carnivores indigenous to the local areas. Analyzing the main conservation challenges in
the region through available literature and from the findings of this study, Miradi was
employed to frame a conservation action plan for the study area.
xiv
In summary, this study aimed to establish baseline information on human-wild carnivore
conflicts in the Kargil region. It achieved this by assessing the scale and patterns of
livestock depredations by various carnivore species, understanding the local
communities’ perception and awareness of wildlife, and framing a conservation action
plan. The conservation action plan, derived from the study's findings and existing
available literatures, will constitute the strategic framework for future initiatives. It aims to
foster collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders, governmental bodies, and nongovernmental organizations. This project will additionally provide valuable insights to
guide forthcoming conservation endeavours within the region, including government
policies.

Citation

Ali, I. (2024). Examining Human Wild-carnivore conflicts in Kargil Trans-Himalayas, India. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 27, 2024
• Award Date: Jan 26, 2024