Wild animal attacks result loss of 239 livestock in Mustang

Mustang, May 16: Over the last four years, wild animal attacks have caused the loss of 239 livestock across three municipalities in the Mustang district.     

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Jomsom has reported that farmers in Baragung Mukti Kshetra, Gharapzhong, and Thasang Rural Municipality have experienced significant losses.     

These regions, recognized for their agricultural activities, animal husbandry, and tourism, are currently facing challenges as the pastures near the upper lakes and the habitats of yaks, sheep, and Himalayan goats have become increasingly perilous due to threats from wild animals.     

Locals are voicing their concerns that traditional animal husbandry practices are at risk due to ongoing human-wildlife conflicts. Farmers are especially worried about the effects of snow leopards and wolves.     

Rajesh Gupta, the head of ACAP, reported that 239 livestock belonging to 68 families have been preyed upon by these predators. In the past four fiscal years, the losses include 19 yaks, 117 Himalayan goats, 38 sheep, two goats, and eight horses, with the remainder attributed to other livestock.     

Gupta noted that the number of livestock lost to wild animals has fluctuated over the years: 31 in the first year of 2079-80, 56 in 2080-81, 86 in 2081-82, and 66 up to April of this year.     

ACAP chief Gupta stated that due to climate change, water resources in high lakes are diminishing, grass growth in pastures is declining, and wild animals, including snow leopards, are encroaching closer to the villages in search of food sources.(RSS)