Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) exists in both developed and developing countries; it is more serious in developing nations. Knowledge of species ecology and of species sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance is an important prerequisite for conservation/ management. Therefore, Azad Jammu and Kashmir the part of great Himalayas has been selected to highlight the wildlife hunting practices during January 2015 to February 2018. During current studies it was found that the problem mainly arises due to feeding habits of wild animals as some are frugivorous (Small Indian civet, Himalayan palm civet, Small Kashmir flying squirrel and Indian flying fox ) who damaged human cultivated fruit trees. Besides Indian crested porcupine and Wild boar acts as a serious crop pest and therefore eradicated whenever encountered. The feeding upon domestic animals (common leopard) and poultry (Asiatic jackal, red fox and small wild cats) was also reported as a factor of predation. We also recovered numerous wild animals (N=50) killed by local community. Despite protected status, the killed mammals belonged to categories of Critically Endangered (Panthera pardus), near threatened (Viverricula indica) and vulnerable (Hylopetes fimbriatus) species. The important birds include critically endangered (Falco peregrines), endangered (Lophura leucomelanos), vulnerable (Catreus wallichii) and near threatened species (Lophophorus impejanus). It was found that mammals were primarily killed due to human wildlife conflict (HWC) (60%) followed by recreation (20%), trade (15%) and accidental killing (5%). Whereas, the foremost hunting reasons for birds are recreation (50%) and food (25%). Birds are also being used as an important trade commodity (25%). The drastic hunting/killing of the species needs our immediate attention. This unwarranted killing must be stopped forthwith, otherwise these animals will become extinct.

Biography

E-mail: nausheen_Irshad@yahoo.com