as a conservationist write a report to the world wildlife federation, based on A.5. Remeber 'CODER'
To the World Wildlife Federation
Date 11th September 2010
Report on the Study Of The Current Status and future of Yak population
This is in response to the honorable Director's directive to submit a report on my study of YAK-in particular, their future. I am furnishing the detailed report of my findings and recommendations.
1. The Current problem: The Yak population is becoming vulnerable to widespread hunting by traders .Given that Yak is a very good source of milk and meat, Its fur being used for making fibres, Yaks are hunted indiscriminately. The inflow of foreign tourists from western countries to the Himalayan belt where Yak is found has made the problem worse. The foreign tourists are very fond of yak's meat. These tourists also buy clothes made of fibre derived from Yak's fur. As a result some traders find it very profitable to deal in Yak related goods. These factors are responsible for fast depletion of numbers of yak population. As per my study, the present Yak population is around 5000.It has decreased from about 10000 two years back. The future of Yak is really very grim if such practices continue.
2. Reasons why this problem has arisen: There are many factors which has given rise to this problem. The forest department has failed to provide adequate security and protection to the wild Yak population. As a result hunters find it very easy to hunt the Yaks in their wild habitat. The Tourist department is also not issuing any directive to the foreign tourists regarding buying of products made of yak fibre and skin. The foreign tourists as mentioned earlier are very fond of eating Yak meat. All these factors are responsible for the fast depletion of the yak population.
3. Effects of the problem: If such a practice of indiscriminate hunting of Yaks continues there is every possibility that yaks will become extinct. Their future is very grim. Already in some parts of Bhutan and Nepal the animal is no longer found. The yaks will face the same condition as the panda which is another endangered species.
4. Recommendation : On the basis of this study it is recommended that the trust takes the following measures in conserving the yak population:
(a) Identification of yak habitat and setting up of yak reserves in the lines of tiger reserves.
(b) Enactment of special Yak conservation and protection Act.
(c) Setting up of a Yak welfare Trust.
(d) Sensitization of the foreign tourists regarding the vulnerable condition of the yak population and discouraging them to buy yak related products.
5. To conclude, the future of the Yak population in the Himalayan region is very grim. The species is likely to face extinction if adequate measures are not taken. Biotechnology should be fully harnessed to conserve the Yak species. Yak is a very important animal in the Himalayan region both from ecological standpoint and cultural perspective. The report and the recommendations provided herein be seriously considered and necessary action may be taken.