Sustainable conservation & wildlife health in action in Nepal: the missing piece to the conservation puzzle

Conservation efforts have historically focused on habitat encroachment and poaching however, endangered wildlife health has received inadequate attention. VIEW set out to complement endangered wildlife conservation by... [ view full abstract ]

Conservation efforts have historically focused on habitat encroachment and poaching however, endangered wildlife health has received inadequate attention.
VIEW set out to complement endangered wildlife conservation by creating a comprehensive sustainable wildlife health program in Nepal through training, infrastructure and disease investigation for endangered wildlife. VIEW has partnered with a local conservation NGO, National Trust for Nature Conservation, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and the Agriculture Forestry University. Activities include; 1. Conduct targeted wildlife health training and support education abroad for wildlife professionals and veterinary students. Training includes: wildlife capture, rehabilitation, and biological sample collection, including post mortem examination (PME); 2. Provide salary and real-time mentorship for field veterinarian; 3. Develop a field laboratory at a conservation research station in Chitwan National Park; 4. Support rehabilitation including medical treatment, training and standardized protocols; 5. Conduct research to understand wildlife disease and inform policy.
Results from the past three years include; 1. Increase in number of biological sample collection during capture and PME. More than 65 serum samples and tissue samples from 15 cases have been collected. Standardized PME techniques have been implemented as well as paperless protocols and record system; 2. More than 175 wildlife professionals trained on capture, immobilization and wildlife health; 3. More than 6 cases of successful rehabilitation of endangered wildlife species, including rhinos, tigers and an elephant. Developed protocols for medical treatments, nutrition and laboratory investigation; 4. Two new research discoveries: rhino TB and canine distemper in buffer-zone.
VIEW is working to help countries by providing the tools and training that are necessary for establishing a sustainable wildlife health program. With consistent and persistent support on the ground, strong local partnerships and promoting open sharing of ideas this model is a template to be considered for other developing countries.