towards project snow leopard - Nature Conservation Foundation

Towards Project Snow Leopard • 61
3.5.1. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has set up its base camp on Rathong Glacier
within the KNP. About 1000 trainees go to the Base camp on expeditions every year.
These expeditions have undesirable consequences on the habitat of the snow leopard
in terms of biotic interference.
3.6. Sharp decline in incomes from Large Cardamom crop
3.6.1. Sikkim produces 80% of the total large cardamom of the country.
3.6.2. Only cash crop for the villagers in the temperate belt.
3.6.3. Production has gone down by 50%. This might lead to people taking up other forms
of livelihoods which may impact on the snow leopard habitat unless eco-friendly
sources of employment are generated.
3.7. Presence of security forces along the China (TAR) border
3.7.1. Increased human presence and disturbance: The presence of the security forces, their
field exercises and movements are a source of great disturbance to wildlife habitats.
3.7.2. The road network on the Tibetan plateau as well as the alpine areas is substantial and
used frequently by army units. There are unfenced landmines along the border with
China (TAR) which leads to wildlife casualties. Weak fences due to lack of upkeep
add to the problem as wildlife tend to enter the mined areas for the grasses that
grow abundantly over there due to lack of activity. Food wastes that are littered or
unscientifically disposed by the army units breed feral dogs which prey on wildlife
during lean periods.
3.7.3. Wetlands are being degraded. Anthropogenic activities of the army units lead to water
pollution of high altitude lakes and streams.
4. Alternate/better Strategy: Conservation and Management Philosophy
4.1. Conservation and management philosophy
4.1.1. Sensitization of the army and partnerships with “wildlife sensitive” security personnel
to share their infrastructure, services etc
4.1.2. At the time of acclimatization, environmental orientation needed for the security
personnel through use of audio-visual documentaries, training modules and courses
in the army regiment itself.
4.1.3. Partnership with all stakeholders in management.
4.1.4. Involvement of reputed NGOs in wildlife research, conservation and monitoring.
4.1.5. Institutional strengthening and co-ordination.
4.1.6. CRMC for the cold desert