Developing a monitoring programme for mammals in himalayan protected areas: A case study from Khangchendzonga national park and biosphere reserve, Sikkim, India

Abstract

We tested the applicability of wildlife field techniques such as trail monitoring, scan counts, camera trapping and dung counts in Khangchendzonga National Park (NP) and Biosphere Reserve (BR) in Sikkim, India, during 2008-2012 to develop appropriate monitoring programmes for mammals. In total, 42 species of mammals were confirmed in the Khangchendzonga NP and BR out of which 40 species were confirmed through visual encounters, photo-captures and signs. Camera trapping was found to be the most applicable field method for all carnivores and solitary ungulates. For snow leopard (Panthera uncia) populations, to detect 10 per cent annual decline with 70 per cent power, 800 effective camera days per year would be required for seven years. To detect desired percentages of annual decline/increase in mammal population with significant power, the required effort and time period were estimated as Rs. 3,067,000 (US$ 51,116) for a period of about 10 to 15 years. The most important habitats for the threatened carnivores and their prey in the Khangchendzonga have been identified. Regular monitoring of the most suitable habitats and strict patrolling of the condition of the alpine and Krummholdz zone can effectively reduce the negative effects of current anthropogenic activities such as unsupervised livestock grazing and unsustainable resource extraction for local use.