how-heavy-tourism-and-trash-is-harming-himalayan-marmots

The Himalayan region, known for stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, includes the Jollingkong near Adi Kailash Basecamp in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district. 

 

This area offers unique experiences for trekkers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers, but increasing tourism poses challenges to the local ecosystem and wildlife, particularly the Himalayan marmot. 

 

The marmot is important for the environment but is sensitive to changes in its habitat and human activity.

 

The Himalayan marmot is an interesting animal found in the high mountains of the Indian Himalayas, particularly in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. 

 

They live at high elevations, from 3000 to over 4500 meters above sea level, making them the highest-living mammals in India. A study conducted by the Forest Research Wing of Uttarakhand observed 17 Himalayan marmots between elevations of 4420 to 4550 meters above sea level. 

 

 

The researchers noted that the marmots were building many burrows strategically placed in spots protected from the wind and close to plenty of grazing vegetation.

 

The Himalayan marmots show certain behaviours when they sense danger or predators approaching, such as standing upright. They remain alert when foraging, especially when there are young marmots in the group.

 

Tourism in the Himalayas, particularly in the Jollingkong region, has significantly increased in recent years.

 

The growing human presence, noise, and environmental damage are negatively affecting the local wildlife, particularly the Himalayan marmots. These small animals are highly affected by environmental changes, and the disturbances from increased tourist activities are impacting their behaviour and well-being.

 

Unchecked tourism and unregulated construction

 

Tourism development is disrupting the habitat of the Himalayan marmot, affecting their burrows and foraging grounds. Livestock grazing is also harming their habitat by destroying their food and shelter.

 

The climate in the Himalayan region is changing quickly, affecting plant growth and the habitat of marmots. Warmer winters may disrupt marmots' sleep, while unpredictable weather events can threaten their survival. When tourists visit areas near marmot homes, their presence can cause problems that harm these animals.

 

When tourists get too close to marmots for photos or interaction, it can stress the marmots, affecting their reproduction cycles, eating habits, and overall health.

Improper disposal of food waste or feeding marmots can harm their colonies. Human food is not nutritious for the marmots and can lead to health problems or malnutrition. Additionally, marmots that get used to eating human food may forget how to find their own food and struggle to find enough food during tough times. Other factors disrupting marmot habitats include noise pollution, cultural erosion, resource competition, and waste management challenges.

 

What needs to be done

 

Conserving the Himalayan marmot and managing tourism overflow requires integrated conservation strategies and sustainable tourism practices. This involves establishing protected areas, wildlife reserves, and buffer zones to protect marmot habitats and restoring habitats by planting more vegetation and creating paths for wildlife to move through.

 

Responsible tourism guidelines must be followed to protect marmot populations. This involves limiting visitors, controlling hiking paths, promoting low-impact camping, and educating tourists about wildlife manners and conservation principles. Engaging local communities, conservation organisations, government agencies, and tourism operators is crucial for fostering stewardship of natural resources. Community-based tourism initiatives can help support sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation.

 

Studying marmots is important to understanding the impact of tourism and climate change. Monitoring helps track conservation efforts, identify threats, and improve marmot population management and protection.

 

The Himalayan marmot shows how human activities and wildlife conservation in delicate mountain areas are linked. But, the increasing number of tourists is starting to seriously harm these special animals. 

 

This is because of uncontrolled building, poor trash management, and unwanted human contact. As the number of tourists keeps growing in the Jollingkong region and the rest of the Himalayas, we need to take action to minimise the negative effects on marmots and their homes.