8 Mar 2010 Bikaner, India, Indian Sub-continent Communities | Farming | Mammals
Participation of Local Villagers in Conservation of Indian Gazelle or Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) in Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India
Conservation of Indian Gazelle or Chinkara through Community Support in Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India II
The present study aims to conserve remaining populations of Indian Gazelle or Chinkara, through community participation, conservation action plan, advocacy to establish Community Reserve through engagement of villagers for a long-term conservation.
During the previous RSG projects, small isolated populations were located at different places and its habitat found under stress due to over grazing and intense agricultural activities. Network of volunteers will continue monitoring of satellite populations, anti-poaching activities and more awareness will spread in local communities.
During 2nd RSG, we found that local tribal are habitual poachers and after confiscation and releasing from imprisonment, start the same work again. Along with under cover anti-poaching network, a dialogue will be started with these communities and covered under the wildlife awareness campaign program.
The study will further identify threats to the habitat; animal it-self and steps will be taken to support local communities as well as State Forest Department, to declare these identified areas, during 2nd RSG, as Community Conservation Areas (under Protected Area category), as soon as possible. These CCAs’ will build up community-animal relationship stronger and also needs further strengthening program for conservation of wildlife with special reference to Chinkara.