Human–Snow Leopard Conflict and Conservation Interventions in Pakistan: A Critical Review

Abdus Sami; Sarwan Khan; Sadaf Fatima; Noaman Rahim Khan; Muhammad Zeeshan

Human–Snow Leopard Conflict and Conservation Interventions in Pakistan

A Critical Review

Authors

Abdus Sami 1 Lecturer in Zoology, Qurtuba University of Science & IT, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.
Sarwan Khan Subject Specialist, Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Sadaf Fatima PhD, Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Noaman Rahim Khan , MPhil, Zoology, Qurtuba University of Science & IT, Peshawar, Pakistan
Muhammad Zeeshan MPhil. Zoology Scholar, Gomal University, Sub Campus Tank, Pakistan

Keywords:

Habitat deterioration, , human-wildlife , conflicts, , conservation

Abstract

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an ecologically and evolutionarily significant species that is involved in the high-mountain ecosystems of Pakistan. However, several stressors, especially fragmentation of habitat, reduction in prey and persistent human-wildlife conflict, have continued to negatively jeopardize the long-term survival of the species. Four key types of interventions are reviewed in the present synthesis, namely, community-based conservation initiatives, predator-proof livestock enclosures, compensation and insurance programs, and habitat restoration programs. The recent academic analysis has recorded various conservation efforts in the contemporary literary scene, which provides a systemic evaluation of the usefulness of the entire spectrum of the species subject under analysis. Depredation of livestock remains the primary hotspot of the human wildlife conflict, often triggering a retaliatory culling, which in itself discourages support of conservation programs by the population. This means that to face such challenges of new fast fast-evolving natural environment dynamics requires adaptive management, participatory governance and enhanced cross-sector cooperation. There are three particular gaps in knowledge identified in the current review: (1) standard conflict data is needed, (2) the snow leopard population should be monitored more robustly, and (3) transboundary conservation planning should be better enabled. By reducing these shortfalls, one will, in turn, shape the improvement of policies. It is vital to reduce such gaps so that we can protect the species and, at the same time, maintain the socioeconomic welfare of human groups living within the shared environment.

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Human–Snow Leopard Conflict and Conservation Interventions in Pakistan