Conservation Value:

This entire upper-elevation corridor of glacier-fed riparian habitats includes an incredible diversity and among the endangered and threatened species are the snow leopard, clouded leopard, red panda, and Chinese pangolin.

Threats:

Between 1990 and 2005, Nepal lost 1.2 million hectares of forest cover in just 15 years.  Climate change is having a disproportionate impact on Nepal. Other threats are the lack of outreach and enforcement for laws that protect endangered species and habitats; the encroachment on existing reserves by a growing human population; and local needs for forest, grazing, and water resources.

Actions & Results:

• In 2018, we completed a strategic purchase of land to stop encroachment and restore habitats.
• We are providing educational outreach concerning the enforcement of laws protecting wildlife and habitats

See CNN story about KTK-Belt's innovative education program.