CONSERVATION POLICY FOR SEXUALLY SEGREGATED SPECIES: A CASE STUDY OF KASHMIR MARKHOR IN CHITRAL GOL NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

Such sexual segregation in ungulates, which occurs when males and females use different habitats and display different behaviours, poses particular challenges to their conservation and management. The temporal and spatial patterns of variation among the two sexually dimorphic groups of an endangered species, the Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis), and their potential implications for effective management are presented in this paper, with emphasis on the sexual segregation of this species in the Chitral Gol National Park, Pakistan. Although generational population stability can accompany age-based conservation techniques, many of these strategies use undifferentiated apportioning of reproductive burden among individuals of both sexes — a one-size-fits-all approach that can be subject to inefficiencies. Here, we review the ecological drivers underpinning sexual segregation, assess current management strategies and suggest a framework to support sex-specific conservation. Based on lessons learned from other segregated ungulates, like bighorn sheep and mountain goats, the study highlights the value of sex-specific habitat management, resource allocation, and monitoring approaches for effective conservation of the species in Kashmir.