On 17 May 2023, we had the post conference Panel Discussion “Overshadowed by large cats: Wolves in the Asian highlands”! with @HimalayanWolves@macdonalddw@ecology_kabir@shivam_wolf C. Augugliaro and B. Lortkipanidze
Here is my reflection from panel:
1/ In northeastern Iran, wolves have high occupancy in shared lands (communal lands) BUT Persian leopards have high occupancy in spared lands (human-free national parks)
Land sharing + land sparing for guild of large carnivores needed
2/ In India, both Himalayan wolf + Indian wolf exist, but are least studied large carnivores, comparing to charismatic felids. Wolves not specifically addressed in cons policies.
Grassland conservation policies and species targeted conservation plans needed
3/ In Pakistan, livestock losses to wolves are compensated where snow leopard conservation program exist #TrophyHunting communities perceive wolves – as rival for invaluable trophy ungulates.
Conservation outreach and ecotourism to promote wolf coexistence etc. needed
4/ In Nepal, Himalayan wolves CR and snow leopard EN BUT action plan and monitoring for SL not
SL higher cultural status in Hinduism and Buddhism (god’s pets), being perceived + despite causing many conflicts
Multispecies strategy to max conservation impact needed
4/ In Altai Mongolia, livestock losses to wolf 20 times > snow leopard, resulting in very – attitude vs SL which was + Wolves active throughout day, showing lower sensitivity to disturbance than SL
Reducing HW conflict and long term educational program needed
5/ In Georgia, bounties, poisoning and intensive hunting reduced wolves until 1980s Gov perceives 1500 wolves, BUT experts believe <500
Sometimes lynx cause more conflict, but wolves are disliked widely
Understanding people’s values and norms and HW conflict management needed
We understand that not everyone could attend the panel due to various constraints, but we wanted to ensure that everyone has access to the panel discussion. Therefore, we are pleased to inform you that the video recording of the entire panel is now accessible using the following link:
Overshadowed by Large Cats: Wolves in the Asian Highlands – YouTube
