Population size, structure, and conservation status of Himalayan grey goral in Pakistan

Background/Question/Methods: The Himalayan grey goral, Naemorhedus goral bedfordi (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) is listed as "lower risk: near threatened" on the IUCN Red List, but was last assessed in 1996. Between 2002–04, we conducted surveys of goral distribution and population structure in the western limit of its range, in northern Pakistan and Kashmir (Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir). Since the 1996 assessment, human and livestock populations have grown in the region, potentially impacting grey goral populations. We established 98 stands and counted the number of gorals observed from a prominent peak over area falling within visual range of telescope.

Results/Conclusions: Gorals were present between 994 m and 2,461 m, with animals moving to lower altitudes during winter. We find 817 goral distributed among 7 subpopulations, with the largest subpopulation of 200 goral in Azad Kashmir. Across all subpopulations, sex ratios were skewed with nearly 2 females per male observed. We also observed 0.31 sub-adults per adult female. These subpopulations are politically and spatially disjunct from the main portion of the range further east, and warrant a vulnerable status under IUCN criteria. Population status can be improved by creating and managing habitat corridors to link subpopulations. Furthermore, the Azad Kashmir subpopulation should serve as a focal point for future management. It is the largest subpopulation and its long-term viability will be linked to international conservation agreements between Pakistan and adjacent India.