Human-Grey Wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) Conflict in Shounther Valley, District Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Human-wolf conflict is a major issue in various parts of the world due to predation on livestock. Shounther valley (a sub valley of Neelum valley, AJ&K) harbors pasture-based economy in summer season, thereby livestock predation by "Least Concern" grey wolf (Canis lupus) is creating a serious conflict between farmers and wildlife. Present study is the first attempt in this area that aimed to assess the intensity of the conflict in terms of livestock depredation. Study area was divided in to eight (8) study sites and data were collected for five months (May to September, 2011) during field surveys at each study site. Results revealed that 76 livestock heads were depredated by grey wolf during the study period; the highest depredation was recorded at Bhedian study site (22%) followed by Mali (185) and Dukk (13%). Sheep (67%) were more vulnerable to depredation as compared to goats (26%) and horses (4%). Most depredations (24%) were noted in the age groups of > 2 years and the preferred time of depredation was recorded as 11 pm to 5 am (65%). Open pens provided more chances of depredation (61%) as compared to fenced pens (22%) and pastures (17%). Overall depredation during the study period resulted in a loss of PKR 433,000 to 26 farmers that raised a rage against the wolf and consequently a retaliatory killing of three wolves was reported; one was gunned down, second was poisoned and the third killed by guard dogs. Watch and ward and herding practices are very poor as most of the depredations (61%) occurred in the absence of protection. Conflict is rising day by day and hindering the conservation of grey wolf in the study area. A comprehensive awareness program should be started with the consultation of local influential persons to improve herding practices, better watch and ward conditions, use of frightening devices and to change peoples' attitude toward the wolf presence in the study area. This base-line study would provide a step toward the conservation efforts of this species in Shounther valley.