Empowering local communities in Kashmir muskdeer conservation in Humla district, Karnali, Nepal

Pema Tsoijom Lama

Other project team members: Phurbu Lama, Lhundup Dorje Lama

Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) is endangered due to rampant poaching driven by the allure of their musk pods. This project aims to significantly reduce poaching of Kashmir musk deer in the Humla district of Nepal by employing a community-led, multi-pronged approach. It includes three key components: first, improving knowledge about musk deer population distribution, abundance, and threats through transect sign surveys, camera trapping, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups; second, increasing local conservation awareness and legal sensitization through social marketing campaigns targeted at local school students and residents living close to musk deer habitats; third, developing and piloting anti-poaching initiatives led by community citizen scientists. The expected outputs and effects of the project encompass a comprehensive assessment report detailing the status of Kashmir musk deer in the region, measurable changes in community attitudes and behaviors toward conservation, and improved law enforcement efforts. This project will contribute to the empowerment of local communities and foster collaboration among various stakeholders, particularly between local communities and law enforcement bodies. Ultimately, the project’s success will help advance the development of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Himalayas.

Watch the project video: