towards project snow leopard - Nature Conservation Foundation

Towards Project Snow Leopard • 83
other associated endangered species including avifauna and other taxa: Along with the
snow leopard (4.2.1) it is also important to have monitoring of the prey species and
some other taxa.
4.2.5. Documentation of high altitude vegetation, endangered plants: Vegetation is a resource
for both wildlife and the local community for their sustenance and potential monetary
benefits. Vegetation documentation, mapping, and monitoring are needed.
4.2.6. Establishing long-term monitoring and research protocols: A comprehensive long-term
monitoring and research protocol for the region needs to be established to meet the
above goals.
4.3. Others
4.3.1. Competence based training of staff for snow leopard and high altitude wildlife conservation:
Posting of skilled and interested staff needs to be facilitated to work in the high
altitudes under the PSL. Focused and continued capacity building of staff is necessary
that promotes skill development. This should be based on competence or individual
interests to whatever extent possible.
4.3.2. Adequate economic and other incentives for staff working in the high altitudes: Based on
constraints detailed in 1.2 and suggested alternatives in 4.3.1, it is important that
economic incentives are available to staff working in the project areas to assist in
sustaining their motivation.
4.3.3. Provisioning of adequate equipment (preferably in kind), including terrain vehicles:
Similar to point 4.3.2 above.
4.3.4. Films on high altitude wildlife: The region is among the least known of the country’s
biogeographic zones. It is important that the larger public and decision makers are
able to see and appreciate the unique values of the region and also the department’s
efforts to conserve it. One of the most effective means can be commissioning of
wildlife films for the region.
4.3.5. Awareness programs addressed at different target groups: Focused awareness programmes
directed at target groups such as school children, the military, decision makers should
be developed and implemented under the PSL.
4.3.6. Early development and operationalization of the Project Snow Leopard: A programme
such as the PSL is long overdue and all efforts should be made to hasten the
development and implementation of the project.
5. Activities to be Undertaken
HP Wildlife Department and the NCF-ISLT should take up work jointly and independently to
address issues relating to wildlife conservation in the state. The activities mentioned below broadly fit