Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program INDIA
Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program INDIA
Reasons the global snow leopard program is important to India: • Recognized as the ‘flagship species’ of the high altitude ecosystems in India • Among the priority species identified for species recovery programme. • A participatory landscape based ‘Project Snow Leopard’ is in place. • India is in the southernmost limit of its distribution. • As contiguous with neighbouring countries, a global initiative will help strengthen conservation. • Pursuance of our international commitments to CITES, CMS, CBD
Value Main values of snow leopards and their landscapes for India: • Ecosystem services, including serving as ‘Water towers’ ensuring water security for millions across 5 sub-continental nations • Resultant Agriculture, Horticulture, Hydro power potential • Rich biodiversity, cultural and aesthetic features result in Tourism and Pilgrimage • A distinct biogeographical zone of the country • Important rangelands for local and nomadic pastoralist communities
Status • Spread in 5 States in c. 130, 000 km 2. • Rough estimates- 400700 snow leopards. • Thus, c. 2% of global range houses c. 10% of population • Monitoring studies in all five States using modern tools initiated by different agencies
Threats • Threats and their intensity vary in the vast range in India • Local, traditional threats – Negative local perceptions due to livestock depredation; some retaliatory killings too – Wild prey depletion due to competition with livestock and poaching • Developmental threats – Extremely remote region, but recent thrust with improving infrastructure. However, adequate checks and balances in place. • Capacity issues for frontline staff (wildlife monitoring, participatory planning and implementation and enforcement) • Climate change threats – understanding of the issues related to this are developing
National Goal Project Snow Leopard (2009) To safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural heritage of high altitude wildlife populations and their habitats by promoting conservation through participatory policies and actions.
Key Actions • National strategy (PSL) with innovative approaches and committed resources • Identify one representative large landscape in each of the 5 States • Develop management plan for these based on PSL Management Planning guidelines approved by Mo. EF • Set up participatory mechanisms at Central and State levels to ensure involvement in planning and action • Focused threat mitigation in each landscape • Garnering support for conservation from feasible sources by developing partnerships
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