towards project snow leopard - Nature Conservation Foundation

Towards Project Snow Leopard • 75
3.2.2. Periodic and sustained training of staff: Capacity development of the staff in scientific
skills such as management planning, wildlife monitoring and participatory approaches
is extremely important to keep them well informed and capable. PSL should facilitate
periodic training of staff, including study tours to other conservation areas in India
and abroad.
3.2.3. Studies on the ecology of snow leopard habitat: Little is known about the occurrence
of the snow leopard in the state, let alone, other aspects of its ecology such as diets,
ranging, population sizes and habitat use. The PSL should encourage studies that
generate such information from the state.
3.2.4. Framework for adaptive management: There is a strong need to have clear-cut
management plans, but there has to be scope for adaptive management within this
framework.
3.2.5. Establishment of high altitude wildlife information centre at Joshimath: It was felt that
the state offers numerous high altitude biodiversity rich areas with unique wildlife,
immense traditional knowledge and innovative conservation programmes. These
should be showcased in a High Altitude Information Centre that can be the node for
all prior and fresh information and that can maintain the information in a database
for ready use by the Department and researchers.
3.2.6. Sustained research: It was felt that ecological research is an ongoing process where
nature reveals its various facets in a complex manner. It is thus important to sustain
research in areas and in ecosystems.
3.3. Others
3.3.1. Development of a high altitude wildlife management training facility: It is recognized
that working in the high altitudes invariably require specialized skills. It is felt that
a High Altitude Wildlife Management Training facility should be started with
resources to provide suitable facilities for continued training of officers and field staff
by experienced officers and scientists.
3.3.2. Project can be launched from Uttaranchal: The Honorable minister has volunteered
that Uttaranchal state would be keen to launch the PSL for the country.