Project to save snow leopard
Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 6
The Forest Department is pinning hopes on the proposed national
project for the conservation of the highly endangered snow leopard.

The integrated project formulated by the Mysore-based Nature
Conservation Foundation is to be implemented in the 11th plan in the
five trans-Himalayan states, where the animal is found.

The Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has convened a meeting
next week to discuss modalities for the project before giving its
final nod.

A comprehensive survey will be conducted to ascertain the status of
the animal in its natural habitat. At present, there was no authentic
base-line data to plan the strategy for its conservation. The project
will involve local communities in monitoring and conservation to help
reduce the snow leopard-migratory grazier conflict which has taken a
heavy toll on the animal.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Tandon said a
national project would ensure regular flow of funds and help the
department build capacity for monitoring, conservation, research and
have a better understanding of the animal and its natural habitat.
Besides, it will also enable the department to create the necessary
infrastructure. All this would enable it to closely monitor the other
high altitude Himalayan species like ibex, blue sheep, snow cock,
Himalayan thar, Tibetan wolf and brown bear.

The main priority was to resolve the conflict of the animal with
nomadic graziers.