Summary:
Nepal has launched its first-ever species-specific action plan to conserve the endangered dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog. The five-year plan, with a budget of 262.9 million rupees ($1.9 million), aims to address major threats like habitat loss, prey depletion, disease, and competition with larger predators such as tigers and snow leopards.

Key points of the plan include:

• A dual focus on scientific research and public awareness.
• Around 25% of the budget is dedicated to understanding dhole distribution and abundance.
• About 26.4% of funding supports conservation education and awareness programs.
• Innovative financial model: 36% of funding is drawn from existing conservation plans for tigers and snow leopards, recognizing habitat overlap and ecological links.
• Emphasis on local community engagement and education to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Use of advanced technologies like camera traps, AI, and field surveys to monitor populations.
• Strategies to improve prey populations through density assessments.
• Plans to map critical habitats and maintain ecological connectivity by identifying wildlife corridors.
• Collaboration at local, national, and international levels, including cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries.

The plan builds on recent research indicating potential dhole population recovery in Nepal’s hills and other areas, despite ongoing challenges. It also calls for integrating indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts to strengthen outcomes.

Overall, the initiative seeks to create a strong and adaptable framework for dhole conservation in Nepal that could be applied across its range in Asia.

Archive: https://archive.md/Bs2VN