Is there a Link between Wild Animal Hunting and Conservation in Singhalila National Park?

Abstract

A survey of hunting and consumption of wild animals among the Sherpas community in and around Singhalila National Park was conducted. Rate and pattern of hunting of animal species, their importance to respondents, hunting techniques, and reasons for hunting were studied. At least, 44 species of wild animals were commonly hunted in the surveyed villages. These include several globally threatened species. Although impacts of removal on wild population remained unclear but hunting seems to be adversely affecting densities of Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra) and Red Panda (Allurus fulgens). Wild animal hunting and consumptions by households remained statistically non-significant implying that hunting was largely for subsistence. Mammals made the highest contribution in the animal off take of a household. Large bodied animals contributed maximum to mean animal harvest of a hunter. Three types of hunting were prevalent in the surveyed villages: 1) organized hunting targeted to specific species, 2) regular snaring of game birds in the vicinity of villages, and 3) opportunistic hunting. Age and education status of a hunter had no impact on his animal extraction rates. Wild animal extractions from forests by all sections of the society remained same. The majority of respondents extracted wild animals to supplement their diet with meat.