Community based conservation and management of mountain ungulates in Tajikistan

Mountain ungulate populations in Tajikistan, including Marco Polo argali, Tajik markhor, and Bukhara urial, face significant threats from poaching and habitat degradation despite state-imposed hunting restrictions. A community-based conservation project initiated in 2008 has shown promise in reversing these declines by engaging former poachers and local communities to manage wildlife sustainably. This approach, supported by NGOs and international organizations, has led to the creation of private conservancies and community initiatives that focus on protection, monitoring, and sustainable use while fostering policy dialogue for long-term conservation. The project highlights the potential for collaborative management to mitigate unsustainable practices and support both biodiversity conservation and local development.

Michel, S. (2010). Community based conservation and management of mountain ungulates in Tajikistan. Galemys, Spanish Journal of Mammalogy, 22(NE), 469–481. https://doi.org/10.7325/galemys.2010.ne.a29