Since 2011, the Community-Based Conservation of Snow Leopards program, established by Niraj Thakali, with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy, Mountain Spirit, and Dr. Shailendra Thakali, has implemented a number of community-driven initiatives that support snow leopard conservation efforts in the Lower Mustang region of Nepal.
CONFLICT MITIGATION
Over the past year, 24 herders received funding to secure windows and doors of new goths (local term for livestock enclosures) that are used to keep over 750 goats.
In addition, predator deterrent Foxlights were distributed to 21 livestock herders who were trained in their proper use.
The program has also installed solar-powered electric fencing on a trial basis in a pasture near Chhusang Village of Varagau Muktichetra Rural Municipality. This fence will protect two goths owned by 16 herders.
The program has also installed solar-powered electric fencing on a trial basis in a pasture near Chhusang Village of Varagau Muktichetra Rural Municipality. This fence will protect two goths owned by 16 herders.
Niraj facilitates participation in a livestock insurance program that protects herders from potential losses incurred due to depredation incidents. As a result, compensation was provided for the loss of 150 yaks, with costs being shared by participating herders and a government entity
Direct interventions, such as improved corral construction, nighttime light deterrents, and solar-powered electric fencing, protect livestock from predators, and by doing so, preserve human livelihoods. But they also protect predators like the snow leopard especially when combined with compensation insurance programs that reduce the incidence of retaliation.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Beyond conflict mitigation strategies, another crucial aspect of Niraj’s work is preventative care for livestock.
With a multidimensional goal of protecting not only domestic livestock but also snow leopards, their prey species, and other wildlife sharing the habitat, 1500 goats owned by 15 individual herders were vaccinated against disease during the summer of 2023.
With a multidimensional goal of protecting not only domestic livestock but also snow leopards, their prey species, and other wildlife sharing the habitat, 1500 goats owned by 15 individual herders were vaccinated against disease during the summer of 2023.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH
Herder workshops have been held in a number of rural communities this year, and more are planned for the near future. These meetings provide the herders an opportunity to reflect on conflict mitigation efforts already underway and plan for future strategies yet to be undertaken.
Last year, the Thini Mother Group received monetary support from the program to encourage their involvement in snow leopard conservation. The group’s 50 members who are actively engaged in maintaining their village will organize snow leopard conservation awareness activities for the community. During 2024, similar grants will be awarded to mother groups in four additional municipalities.
Conservation education is an integral component of this community-based program. In 2023, students took center stage to present engaging theatrical street dramas conveying a message of the importance of human – wildlife conflict mitigation. These motivational performances were showcased at the Agriculture and Tourism Festival held in the Village of Jomsom and at the Khila Festival in Syang where they reached a combined audience of more than 2000.
The street performances are held not only with the goal of creating awareness but also with the hope that they will inspire local communities to protect this ecologically and culturally important species.
