Impact of musk trade on the decline in Himalayan musk deer Moschus chrysogaster population in Neelum Valley, Pakistan.

Abstract

The Himalayan musk deer, Moschus chrysogaster inhabits the forests of Neelum Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, including Machiara National Park. A study was made to ascertain the extent of trade in Himalayan musk and to assess the hunting pressure and present conservation status of the population of Himalayan musk deer. Musk deer are killed to excise the musk pod found in mature males between the genital organs and the umbilicus. According to information gathered from nine major professional musk traders, 26 (65%), 31 (73.8%) and 44 (97.77%) musk pods were collected illegally during 2000-02 respectively. However, cumulative total number of musk deer killed during 2000-02 was at least 40, 42 and 45 respectively, as revealed by data obtained from 209 hunters. Data show that though male musk deer are killed for musk pod collection, females are also killed in illegal harvesting. There is limited use of musk as traditional medicine for pulmonary diseases in the area. However, poaching activity fetches US $275-310 per musk pod; hence musk trade poses a major threat to the survival of the species. Population of Himalayan musk deer is on a rapid decline because of hunting pressure and destruction of natural habitat due to nomadic and local grazing, along with unsustainable commercial logging and extraction of medicinal plants by the government as well as by the locals. Measures to conserve the species are outlined within the framework of sustainable use of living resources for development.