Population and Distribution of Himalayan Ibex, Capra ibex sibrica, in Hushe Valley, Central Karakoram National Park, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study determined total population, trophy sized Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex sibrica) and its distribution during winter season in Hushe valley of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) Gilgit-Baltistan. The valley has been declared as a community-controlled hunting area for the last one and half decades. This study was conducted from 15 November 2012 to 15 February, 2013. Two permanent trails (one upstream from Hushe village to Dumsum junction and one downstream from Hushe village to Hushe bridge) were established along the Hushe river for data collection. Total ibex population in the study area was estimated 593 individuals during the entire study period out of which 43 trophy sized, which were 7.25% of the total population. ANOVA for total ibex population showed significant differences from different locations (p= 0.001) at P<0.05. The mean trophy sized ibex were 5.25±1.60, 3.75±0.72 and 1.75±0.24 at high, mid and low latitude ranges, respectively from the study area found an increasing ratio of trophy size over total ibex population in certain areas of Hushe. The ibex population seems to be increasing due to conservation efforts by the community and sensitization through government and conservation agencies. This study revealed that there is a considerable number of trophy size ibex in the valley, which suggest potential of trophy hunting in the valley and appropriate use of wildlife resources for recreation, ecological values and economic purposes.