The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

Although estimates of Kiang numbers have varied
in the past, it is currently thought that less than
100 individuals now occur within Nepal. While the
low population numbers and restricted range size
fit the criteria for an Endangered listing, the close
proximity of populations in neighbouring countries
provides a likely rescue effect, due to the possibility
of immigration into suitable habitat. As a result, this
species has been assessed as Vulnerable.
Legal Status
CITES Appendix II
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973)
National Population Size
Total: < 100
The current population is estimated to consist of
less than 100 individuals with previous estimates
ranging widely between 10 and 500. In Mustang,
groups of up to 16 individuals have been observed.
National Distribution
Kiang are restricted to a few areas in northern
Nepal along the border with China. They have
been reported from Mustang (Chhujung, Dhalung
/ Chhuging, Damodar Kunda, Dolpo, Ghemi Lekh,
Kiangchummi, Lapchagawa, Itikhola, Salekhola, and
Yarchakhola).
Distribution outside Nepal
China (Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai, southern Gansu,
southern Xinjiang), India, Pakistan.
Main Threats
• Food competition with livestock.
• Human disturbance.
Conservation Measures in Place
None.
Conservation Recommendations
i) Strengthen local communities management and
governance systems; train local village development
committees in Community Based Natural Resource
Management and law enforcement; help establish
optimal mixed traditional rotational grazing
systems.
ii) Implement zoning and strict control grazing in
priority areas (especially Damodar Kunda in Upper
Mustang); amend Conservation Area Management
Regulations through negotiations with District
Development Committees and local communities.
iii) Initiate awareness programmes for herders and
nomads to minimise disturbances and to reduce
hunting and poaching.
iv) Continue and expand research, monitoring and
surveys of rangeland species, habitats and produce
or update management plans.
References
Suwal and Verheugt 1995, Shah 2002, Sharma et al. 2004, St-Louis and Cote 2009, Nepal Red List of Mammals
Field Technicians Workshop 2010,
Nepal Red List of Mammals National Workshop 2010
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