Post by Karan Kareer (ENR 2300 SU 2013)
An increase in the global intake level of cashmere is posing
as a threat to the lives of snow leopards in the Asian continent. With
reference to our recent case study on wolves, I would like to point out the
slight similarity between the two issues, which is also completely different in
their own ways.
The similarity however, is pretty much obvious: the conflict
is being caused due to philosophies of natural resource management (as stated
by Wilson in his thesis).
Due to an increase in the goat population in the Central
Asian region, there has been an insane decline in the numbers of yaks,
antelopes, and other native prey species. Since these “luxurious fur” goats are
grazing these lands, there are not many grazing grounds left for the other
animals. Thus, the snow leopards are turning to goats for meat. This, as
history has shown us, is proving to be a sign of conflict between humans and
the wild animal.
It is interesting to see how different issues are
interrelated in this situation. From fashion to natural resource management and
disease from livestock, the snow leopard is the new victim to human tantrums.
Here’s the link to the article: Snow Leopard under threat from
Cashmere trade
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