ANNOUNCEMENTS
With its wide presence, majestic appeal and endangered status; the snow leopard is considered the flagship species of the high altitudes and an indicator species for Asia’s high mountain ecosystems. Snow leopard habitat distribution is landscape based. It cannot be confined to just the protected areas. So, the conservation approach should also be landscape level which should also consider transboundary implications as Snow Leopard moves cross-boundaries. Himalayas represents a complex combination of diverse human cultures and linguistic diversity including a number of tribal communities – and their relative seclusion and remoteness that has made them the last bastions of globally significant indigenous knowledge and cultural heterogeneity. Given the threats, challenges and gaps in conservation responses currently implemented, it is pertinent that a long-term strategy is put in place to secure the snow leopard, its habitat and the people dependent on it. People should be the centre point of policies, schemes, rules, acts and guidelines. If the government is designing a policy, scheme and guideline for the people then it should take into consideration their concerns and try to overcome the obstacles. Special provisions should be there for special landscapes. A single type of document cannot be applicable to different type of landscapes. A landscape level management strategy and plan is needed for an effective management of such diverse ecosystems.
Keywords: Snow Leopard, landscape level management strategy, policies, policy gaps.
