Malyasri Bhattacharya

THT Action Grant 2024

Project Name:

Safeguarding the critically endangered vulture habitat through community-led ecotourism in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Project Brief:

The Kangra landscape is critical for the conservation of the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vultures, as it hosts significant populations and serves as a key area for migratory birds, particularly in the Pong Dam protected area. This region is also vital for the local communities, who herd cattle and sheep in the landscape. Research by the Wildlife Institute of India, since 2019, has identified over 400 White-rumped Vulture nests and highlighted threats such as forest fires, logging, powerline mortality, and the reduction of open carcass disposal areas. The local communities, who witness extensive wildlife activity, can play a crucial role in ecotourism and vulture nest protection. However, the increasing tourist pressure in areas like Triund Hills and Bir Billing, which threaten the nomadic herders, necessitates the development of training programs, social knowledge, and strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

The local communities which dispose carcasses also play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. This project aims to establish a vulture-friendly ecotourism framework in collaboration with local communities and the forest department. The local communities will be central stakeholders, sharing valuable species knowledge.

Malyasri Bhattacharya’s project will focus on raising awareness and conducting workshops on vulture conservation, extending vulture nest monitoring efforts, and running wildlife awareness campaigns in local schools to build community support for vulture conservation.

Project objectives:
  • Regular monitoring to track nest health, vulture populations, and habitat conditions.
  • Engage local communities, including the Gaddi, Gujjar, and Chamar communities, in sharing and enhancing their knowledge of the species and involving them as nest protectors.
  • Involve tribal communities in all aspects of habitat protection, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for vulture conservation.
  • Develop and implement an ecotourism model in Triund and Bir Billing to engage local communities, reduce tourist pressure, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Create a comprehensive conservation management plan for vulture habitats in Himachal Pradesh, detailing strategic measures for effective conservation, implementation, and long-term habitat protection.
Highlights from the field:
  • This project is ongoing