Let’s protect habitat of wild animals

Amid rising threats to wild animals in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a need for scientific measures to ensure protection of their habitat.

Unabated human activities and haphazard constructions in forests and upper reaches of J&K are forcing wildlife animals to foray into human habitations for food. This leads to frequent incidents of human-wildlife conflicts. There is collateral damage on both sides. We are losing precious human lives to leopard and bear attacks. Similarly wild animals too are bearing the brunt. There is a need for scientific studies to ascertain factors which are disturbing wild animals and damaging their habitat.

Studies have shown that disturbed corridors of the critically-endangered Hangul or Kashmir stag are hampering the species from using its summer habitats. This is mainly due to anthropogenic pressure owing to livestock grazing in upper reaches of Kashmir. This was detected by analysis of Satellite Collaring of Hangul project with experts recommending urgent measures to expand the range of Hangul to alpine meadows and corridor areas outside its bastion Dachigam National Park.

The study aimed to trace movement patterns of Hangul using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Satellite Telemetry was conducted for over four years by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Department.

Another study has revealed how haphazard construction activities are affecting habitat of endangered Himalayan Brown Bear in famous tourist resort Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

The study stated that poor solid waste management is attracting bears closer to human settlements. It states that over 75 percent of the brown bear’s diet is from human-sourced waste.
The study states that construction of the tunnel in the eco-fragile tourist resort is also disturbing habitat of the Brown Bear. Tourism activities and various tunnelling projects, have led to habitat fragmentation and increased human intervention in an area that once entirely served as a habitat for various species of wild animals including the Himalayan Brown Bear, states the study conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC). The study was conducted on the direction of the the National Green Tribunal which has been ascertaining causes of shrinking habitat of the Himalayan Brown Bear in Sonamarg.

This shows the immense importance of research in conservation of wildlife. In this regard, the Division of Wildlife Sciences of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences (SKUAST)-Kashmir has been conducting research, capacity building, and human resource development in wildlife management and conservation.

The division has the distinction of being the third in Indian Universities and the first in the ICAR system to offer fully-fledged Master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in Wildlife Sciences besides providing skill courses in photography and filming and Ecotourism—reflecting a comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation.

The research efforts of the Division of Wildlife Sciences are focused on the conservation of threatened and unique Himalayan ungulates, snow leopards, and avifauna. So far this division has secured and over 30 major funded research projects, including from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), DST, DBT, and GOI, as well as earning the prestigious Indo-US Science and Technology Networking Centre Award and fostering collaborations with esteemed global institutions

SKUAST-Kashmir's wildlife scientists have spearheaded ground-breaking research for two decades. The contributions include pioneering research on the Hangul, Tibetan Antelope (Chiru), other unique mountain ungulates of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, snow leopards, wetlands, and water birds.

Major achievements include recognition of Hangul as a distinct species, providing crucial technical expertise for its conservation breeding and reintroduction programs, besides studies on the movement and migratory patterns of Hangul, Tibetan Antelope, and waterfowl using satellite telemetry.

The studies on ecology and genetics on Hangul and Tibetan antelope, alongside habitat exploration for snow leopards in Kashmir and Kishtwar, have significantly contributed to global biodiversity knowledge and helped in finding measures for conservation of these species.
“This pioneering research by the wildlife Scientists of SKUAST-Kashmir has not only placed Jammu & Kashmir on the map for snow leopard distribution but also shed light on mammalian and avian biodiversity in the region,” states Prof. (Dr.) Khursheed Ahmad, head of the Division of Wildlife Sciences.

SKUAST-Kashmir has forged academic and research collaborations with prestigious institutions worldwide, such as the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, USA, University of Siena and National Council of Research, Italy, University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, IUCN and Wildlife Institute of India. These partnerships signify a commitment to global cooperation in wildlife conservation.

It is the responsibility of SKUAST-Kashmir to carry forward its research and contribute its bit to safeguard wild animals and their habitat.

We must understand that wildlife conservation is imperative for maintaining ecological balance. We must give due space to wild animals and protect their habitat. Their presence is as important on this planet as ours!

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir