Update on:

Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program

PakistanGSLEP Steering Committee Meeting

Bishkek, March 19, 2015

Introduction• A GPS collar was fitted on a snow

leopard in Chitral Gol National Park, Pakistan, in November 2006 as part of a study on home-range size, habitat use, and movements

• During the 14-months, the snow leopard, traversed a 1,563 km2

area, splitting her time between Pakistan and Afghanistan

• This new information underscores the critical need for international cooperation to protect snow leopards

Values of SL Ecosystem in Pakistan• The snow leopard is an iconic flagship species,

its habitat available in Pakistan is about 80,000 km2

• The snow leopard ecosystem is vital for the co-existence of both human and wildlife:– It is a hub of unique biodiversity; – It provides water, fuel wood, meat, wool,

and wild fruits for about 9 million people– Generates several millions of dollars of

revenue from various avenues

Status & Threats

• About 200-400 snow leopards in Pakistan, and considered critically endangered

• Threats:– Habitat loss and degradation– Retaliatory killing of snow leopards– Weak institutional capacity– Lack of awareness– Climate change, potential

Ongoing SL Conservation Programs

5

CGNP

Reech

Laspur Phandar

Qurambar

CKNP

KNPMisgar

Ongoing Research: Camera Trapping

6

National Goals

• The promotion of a landscape-level approach to snow leopard conservation

• The initiation of participatory conservation to enhance tolerance and build support for snow leopards

• The enhancement of scientific knowledge on snow leopards, prey species, and habitat

• The expansion and improvement of the management of the PA network in Pakistan

• Institutional strengthening and capacity building• Trans-boundary cooperation

Follow up on Global Forum 2013

• Bishkek Declaration and GSLEP shared with the provinces and other stakeholders

• Snow Leopard Model Landscapes identified on the basis of camera trap data

• Consultations held with provinces to agree on the boundaries of the model landscapes

• Outcome of consultations shared with the GSLEP Secretariat

Consultation with Provinces on SL Model Landscapes

Resource Mobilization for NSLEP

• Three provincial governments, committed in kind support worth of US$ 7 million in terms of their staff and infrastructure

• Snow Leopard Trust committed US$ 0.7 million• GEF 6 allocation: 1.5 Million• NESLEP requirement for three years: US$ 19.8

Million

• Need co-financing of US$ 20 Million

Activities Planned under GEF 6 Funding

Project Component-1: Participatory conservation in snow leopard Model Landscapes

Output 1.1: Economic losses to herder community because of snow leopard predation is reduced

Activity Indicators

1.1.1. Establish livestock insurance schemes (LISs) to reduce predation-related economic burden on communities

i) At least 50% livestock insured in model landscapes, ii) No killing of snow leopard and its prey

1.1.2. Improve existing corrals to make them predator-proof to reduce predation losses

At least 50% reduction in predator caused mortality of livestock in the program sites

Project Component 1: Participatory conservation in snow leopard Model Landscapes

Output 1.2. Economic gains by herder community is enhanced

Activity Indicators

1.2.1. Implement livestock vaccination program to reduce mortalities in livestock & wildlife and improve ecosystem health

At least 50% reduction in disease caused mortality of livestock in the program sites

1.2.2. Reduce grazing pressure on range lands by initiating social forestry and fodder cultivation programs

Number of communities in model landscape participating and adopting the activities

Project Component 1: Participatory conservation in snow leopard Model Landscapes

Output 1.3. Enhanced tolerance towards snow leopards and other wildlifeActivity Indicators

1.3.1. Prepare wildlife focused EE strategy Strategy developed

1.3.2. Develop and disseminate resource materials

Number of resource material developed and disseminated

1.3.3. Establish information centers in three model landscapes

Number of centers established

1.3.4. Conduct EE activities, catering needs of wildlife staff, school children, and tourists

Enhanced awareness on snow leopard and conservation issues in mountain ecosystems

Project Component -2: Adopt a landscape-level approach for snow leopard conservation

Output 2.1. Large contiguous habitats are protected to accommodate large home range and landscape level movementsActivity Indicators2.1.1Identify model landscapes on the basis of snow leopard population, conflicting issues, and strategic importance

Three landscapes brought under management plan

2.1.2. Develop comprehensive Landscape Management Plan in collaboration with prominent stakeholders such as Government/NGO /and local communities including proscriptions for different sectors, securing of high-biodiversity areas, and implementation of Valley Conservation Plans.

Landscape Management plans developed

2.1.3. Develop/improve zone-specific Valley Conservation Plans as subset of Landscape Management Plans, in consultation with concerned communities, and incorporating participatory conservation models

Valley Conservation Plans developed

Project Component -2: Adopt a landscape-level management approach for snow leopard conservation……….

Output 2.2. Functionality of PAs in snow leopard range improvedActivity Indicators2.2.1. Construct habitat suitability of snow leopards in Pakistan and identify connectivity corridors

Habitat suitability maps developed and connectivity corridors identified

2.2.2. Assess existing PAs for their adequacy to protect snow leopards, and identify candidate sites for additional PAs

Gap analysis of PAs with reference to snow leopards done

2.2.3. Strengthen PA functionality by facilitating and equipping wildlife staff

i) Functionality of 6 number of PA(s) improved, ii) 60 number of staff facilitated and equipped.

2.2.4. Conduct short trainings to build capacity of relevant departments and community

Four trainings arranged for 80 personals

Project Component -3: Conservation and management actions informed by knowledge on snow leopard ecology and ecosystem dynamics

Output 3.1. Gaps in snow leopard conservation related information are addressed

Activity Indicators

3.1.1. Assess snow leopard population using robust and modern techniques such as molecular tools and camera trapping for individual identification

Reliable estimates of snow leopard population size available

Project Component -3: Conservation and management actions informed by knowledge on snow leopard ecology and ecosystem dynamics …………………

Output 3.2. Status and threats to snow leopard's wild prey understood

Activity Indicators

3.2.1. Implement robust estimation and monitoring of prey abundance

Estimates available for prey populations in model landscapes

3.2.2. Conduct human and rangeland ecology studies and develop monitoring systems for identifying and addressing key threats

Studies conducted and monitoring system developed

Project Component -3: Conservation and management actions informed by knowledge on snow leopard ecology and ecosystem dynamics …………………Output 3.3. Vulnerability of snow leopard ecosystem to climate change understood

Activity Indicators

3.3.1. Development & expansion of knowledge portal to facilitate climate assessment studies

Knowledge developed, functional and made available for researchers

3.3.2. Assess and understand climate change scenarios for northern mountainous ecosystems

Parameters inducing climate change in northern mountain ecosystems understood

3.3.3. Assess habitat response to climactic induced changes and vulnerability of snow leopards and its prey

Vulnerability of model landscapes to climate change understood and an adaptation plan developed

Co-financing is required for:

• Participatory conservation to enhance tolerance and build support for snow leopards

• The enhancement of scientific knowledge on snow leopards, prey species, and habitat

• The expansion and improvement of the management of the PA network in Pakistan

• Institutional strengthening and capacity building