Kashmir, 2nd June 2025: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), Jammu & Kashmir (UT), and with support from Astral Foundation, conducted a one-day capacity-building programme to strengthen conservation efforts for the Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) in the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary. The training focused on equipping frontline staff and Markhor watchers with key skills in livestock monitoring and regulation at strategic sites and wildlife monitoring techniques to enhance the protection of Critical Markhor Habitats (CMHs).

Fifteen frontline personnel participated in the workshop, which emphasised systematic data collection and improved field monitoring to address threats such as overgrazing, shifting herding practices, habitat encroachment, and poaching. Strategic entry points and key habitat zones in the sanctuary will now be more effectively monitored through the trained network.

The capacity strengthening workshop was conducted in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, J&K | Photo by Team WTI

Once a remote wilderness of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and crystal-clear streams, Hirpora WLS today faces rising ecological pressures. Despite this, it remains one of the most scenic and ecologically significant landscapes in Jammu & Kashmir. The alpine meadows not only sustain wild herbivores such as Markhor and Musk deer but also hundreds of migratory herder families who depend on these pastures for grazing their livestock. However, over the years, the overuse of these pastures by their livestock has led to the competitive displacement of Markhor from key habitats. The project emphasises reducing the threats through appropriate approaches- securing of critical Markhor habitats and sensitisation of herders to refrain from non-traditional herding practices.

The Markhor watchers are instrumental in monitoring animal movements, and detecting and addressing any illegal activities in their respective areas. Sixteen individuals were trained extensively in wildlife tracking techniques, including identifying key indicators such as hoof marks, scats, pellets, and other indirect signs that indicate the presence of species during their patrolling surveys

During her session, Mr. Suhail Wagey (Wildlife warden, Shopian) boosted the morale of the Markhor watchers and emphasised the importance of such patrolling sessions in keeping a check on the wildlife crime-related activities.      

Dr. Tanushree Srivastava, Manager and Head Mountain Ungulate Project, WTI, urged Markhor watchers to collect robust field data and stressed the importance of identifying both direct and indirect signs of the species during patrolling efforts.

Mr. Sameer Khazir, Assistant Manager at WTI, briefed the participants on key data collection approaches for systematic monitoring of livestock and highlighted the pressing threats facing the Markhor in the region.

Mr. Muneeb Nazir Field officer, WTI, conducted a hands-on training session for Markhor watchers and frontline staff, guiding them on the practical use of GPS devices and explaining their key data functions essential for effective field monitoring.

Through this initiative, WTI and the DWP reaffirm their commitment to science-driven, community-based conservation. By building local capacity and fostering stronger field-level protection, the goal is to ensure that this rich abode of Markhor thrives alongside the migratory herders who share this landscape.