The large, recently discovered, population of about 32 groups of LTM in the unprotected reserve forests of Sirsi-Honnavara in southern Karnataka possibly represents the last viable population of LTM in its natural habitat. It is, therefore, clearly in need of proper protection and management.

Mapping: The range of each LTM troop and the distribution of the entire population will be located and mapped onto the base maps.

Study of the socioeconomic status of the local people: A questionnaire survey of the local people will be conducted to understand their lifestyle, income sources, property status, agriculture practices, livestock holdings, hunting practices and patterns of interactions with the forest including minor forestry product collection, firewood and timber extraction, and livestock grazing.

Threats to the Sirsi-Honnavara forest and the LTM population: We aim to evaluate the nature and extent of threats to the Sirsi-Honnavara forest and the LTM population through our understanding of the socioeconomic status of the local people and through our close interactions with them. After our mapping exercises, the whole region will be gridded on the base maps and threats to the forest and the LTM assessed in each grid. A similar exercise will also be carried out for the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

With the above information “conservation action plan” will be prepared. This documentation will help and make easier for the department officials to propose the region as conservation reserve.