Recovering the Ladakh Urial in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Initiative

Fondation Segré Conservation Action Fund

Duration

2024 - 2025

Location

Pakistan

Species protected

Urial Ovis vignei

Project description

The Ladakh Urial, a Critically Endangered species, is facing severe decline due to habitat degradation, overexploitation, and illegal activities in Gilgit-Baltistan, where poverty affects up to 42% of the population. This project aims to initiate a species recovery plan by establishing community-based governance structures such as Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Development Organisations (WCSDOs) and multi-community conservancies.

Threats

Habitat loss & degradation

Poaching

Local rangers will be trained in wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching, while communities will be linked with government departments to develop Community Development Plans and a species recovery strategy. Habitat restoration efforts will include regular patrols and the establishment of a community-run check post.

The project will directly engage over 600 community members and indirectly benefit more than 500,000 people by improving socio-economic conditions. Through community empowerment, capacity building, and collaboration with government stakeholders, the project seeks to deliver tangible conservation outcomes while fostering local stewardship of natural resources.

Project objectives

Revitalise community-owned natural resource management systems.
Foster collaboration between local communities and government agencies to undertake conservation initiatives.
Monitor Ladakh Urial populations through trained local rangers.
Protect and restore the natural habitat of the Ladakh Urial.
Facilitate the development and implementation of a species recovery plan.

Project activities

Conduct awareness sessions on forest and biodiversity conservation.
Mobilise communities to revive existing conservation infrastructure.
Network with district and provincial government departments to support conservation efforts.
Restructure and provide training for WCSDOs (Wildlife Conservation and Social Development Organisations) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs).
Promote gender-sensitive engagement, including with WCSDOs and women, to support Community Development Plans (CDPs).
Organise multi-community meetings to reactivate dormant conservancies.
Update legal and administrative documentation for restoring three conservancies.
Submit Conservation and Development Plans to relevant authorities.
Establish a community-run check post or hut to monitor Ladakh Urial movement and threats.
Conduct habitat restoration activities, including tree planting drives.
Train and deploy 30 local rangers for wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching.
Carry out wildlife surveys and seasonal joint monitoring with WCSD staff, researchers, and community rangers.
Develop and submit a detailed Ladakh Urial distribution map and Species Recovery Plan.