Conservation of Brown Bear In Deosai National Park

This project was initiated in 1993 with the intent to protect the brown bear from total elimination.

Field work and research conducted in 1993 was aimed at developing baseline information on the Deosai Plains. In 1994,research activities were continued and concepts were developed for regulation of human activities and protection of wildlife in Deosai Plains were tested and refined.

In 1995. the primary emphasis was on the establishment of protective measures on a permanent and sustainable basis. In view of the findings and recommendations of the earlier phases of the project, field work proposed for 1995 was with the following objectives, of establishment of the Deosai National Park and Wildlife sanctuary , the continuation of the census of bear population to determine the trends and to ascertain if any hunting has taken place. The monitoring of human activities in the area to protect wildlife and fish, until protective measures are put in place, the implementation of the management plan for the park and the establishment of eco-tourism to generate sustainable economic funds for the local population were also integral aims of the project.
 

Project Results
Establishment of Checkposts and Field Camp:
Checkposts at Satpara and Sherkuli village made operational and field camp established by Shatung Nala. Two researchers and two local assistants were stationed at the camp.

Development of Detailed Management Plan
A draft Management Plan for Deosai national Park was prepared and circulated for comments. Approval of the plan will lead to normalization of the status ofDeosai Plains as a National Park under the relevant legislation.

Community Participation in Planning
A survey was carried out with communities living in the vicinity of proposed Deosai National Park area. The aim of study was to involve the communities in planning and evaluation from the preliminary stage of conservation efforts. In this regard a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) survey was launched. RRA was preferred over PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) as the communities were involved in daily routine work like harvesting of crops, grazing of livestock, collection of grass, wood, grains and other necessities for the forth coming winter. Survey team also included Balti speaking lady coordinators in
order to record the perceptions of women. Willingness certificates obtained from the villages indicating their willingness to conserve Deosai and the brown bear.

Census of Bear Population
The census of bear population was conducted to assess changes in the bear population over the
previous year. Based on direct identification, 19 of the 21 animals sighted last year were verified.

Monitoring of Human Activities
Regulation of human activities according to the proposed zoning plan was carried out through the checkposts established at the entry points in Deosai, and through the field camp and patrolling in the project area. A handout containing information on Park regulations was provided to all visitors, and vehicles were inspected for arms and explosives. Contact was established with the District Administration, the military, the Superintendent Police, and the Divisional Forest Officer to work out procedures for controlling the park area.

Ecotourism
Four groups of tourists were taken on guided tours into the protected zone to sight the bears. Local assistants trained as guides last year were used for this purpose.

Training of local Staff in Monitoring Activities and Research Support
Until now the specialized staff engaged on the project did not belong to the project area, as skills and experience required were not available. It was decided to train local staff with eight to ten years of school education for monitoring and research support in the Park area in future. This will bring the cost of operation down in future, and will provide employment opportunities to the people in the area, who are better suited for work at higher altitudes.

Verification of Park Boundaries

Physical verification of the proposed park boundaries was completed. The boundaries were walked and checked on the maps to make sure that special physical features and details are accounted for.