Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary to Restrict Human Activity to Protect Himalayan Tahr
The Kedarnath Wildlife Division plans to restrict human activity in high-altitude meadows and launch a cleanliness drive after a survey found visitors and residents feeding Himalayan tahrs.
Current Summary
The Kedarnath Wildlife Division is preparing to restrict human activity in high-altitude meadows and clear rubbish from parts of the sanctuary after a survey found visitors and local residents feeding Himalayan tahrs, drawing the animals away from their natural habitat toward roads and settlements. The sanctuary spans about 975 sq km across Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts and includes alpine meadows known as bugyals. Divisional forest officer Rajat Suman said tahrs are increasingly moving toward roads and inhabited areas in search of food, and that rising rubbish accumulation has coincided with more sightings in lower areas including Chopta, Sari, Kanchulakharak, Saukhark and Mandal. The division has prepared an action plan for a cleanliness drive in the sanctuary and will discourage people from feeding wildlife while organising awareness programmes on protecting animals and plants.
What We Know
- The Kedarnath Wildlife Division plans to restrict human activity in high-altitude meadows and clear rubbish from parts of the sanctuary.
- A survey found visitors and local residents feeding Himalayan tahrs, drawing them toward roads and settlements.
- The sanctuary covers about 975 sq km across Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts.
- DFO Rajat Suman said tahrs are increasingly leaving their natural habitat in search of food, with more sightings in Chopta, Sari, Kanchulakharak, Saukhark and Mandal.
- The division has prepared an action plan for a cleanliness drive and awareness programmes discouraging wildlife feeding.
What Is Still Unclear
- A timeline for when the restrictions will take effect.
- The specific areas to be restricted and how enforcement will work.
What Changed
- 2 Oct, 04:21 pmSignal detected: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary to Restrict Human Activity to Protect Himalayan Tahr
Background
The Himalayan tahr is a mountain goat species whose habitat in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary faces growing pressure from human activity and climate change.