True morels collected from wild provide an economic source for the rural community of Mankial valley (District Swat, Khyber Pukhtunkhawa, Pakistan). Sale of approximately 334 kg in dry weight of five species of true morels (Morchella conica, M. esculenta, M. deliciosa, M. rotunda and M. semilibera) fetch US$ 57133 (under US$ 2015-16 exchange rate) to Mankial community and generate a revenue of US$ 62935 in Mingora (regional market) and US$ 87011 in Islamabad (national capital) markets. Morchella conica (average annual dry weight harvested 156 kg) has a high market price value (US$ 2964-44616) in all the three markets. M. esculenta (average annual dry weight harvested 120 kg) the second most harvested species (fetching US$ 20640-32040), M. deliciosa (34 kg; US$ 4216-6460), M. rotunda (13 kg; US$ 1482-2223) and M. semilibera (11 kg; US$ 1155-1672) appeared in decreasing order.
Purpose: Recognizing the dynamics of ungulate populations is vital because of their economic and ecological significance. The dry temperate ecosystem of Hindu Kush is one of the most remarkable and significant mountain ranges, which supports near threatened markhor population in districts Chitral and Kohistan of Pakistan. However, the current population trends and community-based management of markhor are data lacking or unrevealed, requiring a crucial need for research to examine. The central goal of this study is to review population trends (2016-2019) of markhor and community-based conservation in Toshi Shasha, Gehrait Goleen conservancies, Chitral Gol National Park in district Chitral and Kaigah conservancy in district Kohistan using well developed questionnaire.Methodology: Review of existing record of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department Pakistan through a well-developed questionnaireFindings: The finding revealed that over a period of four years population of markhor enlarged to 5658 individuals, fawn population to 2185, female population to 1589, young population to 1491 and the trophy size male increased to 850. Community based conservation resulted 15 markhor trophy hunts in Toshi Shasha, Gehrait Goleen and Kaigah conservancies with gross income of USD 5770400 except Chitral Gol National Park where trophy hunting is not allowed under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act 2015.Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy:The author recommended that, As the government has fixed Markhor trophy hunting quota of hunting four animals per year in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. This quota of Markhor trophy hunting should not be fixed but should be based on population of Markhor with reference to trophy size male. The present quota of four Markhor trophy hunt need to be increase from 4 animals per year to 1% leading to 2% of the population of markhor. As the population of Markhor in Chitral Gol National Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan has been increased to 2926 individuals and have enlarged to buffer zone of the National Park. At least 1% of Markhor trophy hunts in buffer zone is recommended to support local community for their livelihood improvement and encouragement of the conservation. The community organizations should be strengthened in terms of establishing their offices, field equipment and mobility beside protection.
Purpose: The ex-situ conservation aims to discover new populations or supports the populations that yet survive in the wild. To breed animals in captivity and release them in their natural control habitats is one of the conservation methods. Amongst other species partridges also breed in captivity and can be release in the wild but presently data lacking, need to examine. Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francolin are used for sports hunting in Pakistan. The available record on captive breeding of Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francilin and their release in the wild for the years 2015-2020 was reviewed using a developed questionnaire.
Methodology: Review record of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department Pakistan through a developed questionnaire
Findings: It was found that the maximum number of chukar partridge breed was 36, Black francolin (6) and Grey francolin (24). Out of the breeding stock, Chukar partridges (44) and Grey francolin (28) were released in the wild to its natural habitat by hard release technique.
Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The researchers recommended decrease in dissimilarity of habitat quality between breeding center environment and the release habitat besides providing a pre-release training to the release experts so as to improve habitat selection and survival of captive-bred. This study will help researchers for further in depth study in the area and will also facilitate conservation organization in making captive breeding of partridges as a successful program.
Key words: Partridges, Captive breeding, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Trophy hunting is the key program in contributing to distinct ecological and socioeconomic benefits at provincial and local levels. However, this program has provided some serenity that necessitates to be investigate. This study was conducted in Toshi Shasha conservancy district Chitralwith the aim to examine socioeconomic impacts of markhor (Capra falconeri Wagner 1839) trophy hunting. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to collect data on trophy hunting. The results reveal that 39 markhor were hunted over 18 years. Trophy hunting on average generated US$ 123255 annual income. Out of the gross income 80 % share of the community was invested in community development through implementation of 50 projects beside saving a balance conservation fund of Rs.61.385 Million (US$ 385463). The remaining 20 % from the gross income contributed to the government.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.