Local attitudes to the proposed translocation of blue sheepPseudois nayaurto Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Abstract

Translocations are an important tool for the conservation of biodiversity, but although ecological feasibility studies are frequently conducted prior to implementation, social feasibility studies that consider how local communities perceive such projects are less common. The translocation of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, has been proposed, to reduce livestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia by providing an alternative prey base in addition to the small population of Himalayan thar Hemitragus jemlahicus. This study used systematic sampling, a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative interviews within the Park to provide data on the social viability of the proposed translocation. Quantitative analysis revealed moderate levels of support but qualitative analysis suggested that there are significant concerns about the proposal. In addition, multiple regression analysis found that women and livestock owners were significantly less supportive, although the model had low explanatory power. Potential crop damage and competition for forage were frequently cited as concerns, especially amongst those with a high level of dependence on natural resources. Given the mixed response to the proposed translocation of blue sheep to the Everest region, alleviating the reservations of local residents is likely to be key to any further consultation, planning or implementation.

Perspectives of traditional Himalayan communities on fostering coexistence with Himalayan wolf and snow leopard

“…Studies on attitudes toward carnivores in the Nepalese Himalayas, to date, have been limited to snow leopards (Gurung & Thapa, 2004;Hanson, Schutgens, Lama, Aryal, & Dhakal, 2018;Oli et al, 1994;Schutgens, Hanson, Baral, & Ale, 2018). This can be related to the fact that carnivore conservation in the Nepalese Himalayas has focused primarily on the snow leopard.…”

In the shadows of snow leopards and the Himalayas: density and habitat selection of blue sheep in Manang, Nepal

“…Nevertheless, occasional crop-raiding is possible, mainly of barley (Hanson et al, 2020). Moreover, our study suggests the avoidance of barren lands by blue sheep in both seasons.…”

“…Lama & T.R. Ghale, personal communication), which requires increased attention due to concerns expressed in light of translocation programs (Hanson et al., 2020). Moreover, our study suggests the avoidance of barren lands by blue sheep in both seasons.…”

“…Moreover, understanding blue sheep habitat preferences is also important to boost potential translocation programs. Recent calls for translocation programs to recover local blue sheep populations and mitigate human–snow leopard conflicts (Aryal et al., 2013, 2014b; Ferretti et al., 2014; Hanson et al., 2020) demand for the assessment of habitat quality in release sites (Wolf et al., 1998). Previous investigations of blue sheep were focused on species distribution (Aryal et al., 2016), habitat use and preferences (Aryal et al., 2014b; Bhardwaj et al., 2010; Khatiwada et al., 2007; Wegge, 1979; Wilson, 1981), resource partitioning and overlap with sympatric wild ungulates or livestock (Bhattacharya et al., 2020; Namgail et al., 2004, 2009; Shrestha & Wegge, 2008a; Suryawanshi et al., 2010), and foraging/bedding site selection (Liu et al., 2005a, 2007).…”

Public perceptions of an avian reintroduction aiming to connect people with nature

“…Limited knowledge is quite common in similar studies (e.g. Greenspan et al, 2020;Hanson et al, 2020;Hiroyasu et al, 2019), and is unsurprising here given that the species has been a scarce visitor in recent times and, prior to the reintroduction, had not bred in Britain for around 600 years (Harrison, 1988). However, the inability to identify this species among the nationally representative sample is interesting considering the assumed cultural significance the species has as a symbol of fertility and birth (Cocker et al, 2013), suggesting instead that the image of this species lacks contemporary cultural salience in Britain (Jarić et al, 2022).…”