Chitral, Pakistan – Livestock is a cornerstone of life for communities living around Chitral Gol National Park (CGNP). However, the close interaction between livestock and wildlife, particularly during winter and early spring, poses a significant risk of disease transmission. This is especially concerning for the vulnerable Markhor, a iconic wild goat species that shares grazing pastures with domestic animals.

To address this challenge, the Divisional Forest Officer of CGNP partnered with the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) to launch a livestock vaccination initiative in the buffer zone of the park. The goal is to prevent the spread of parasitic diseases from livestock to wildlife, ensuring the health of both animals and the ecosystem.

A stakeholder meeting was held at the CGNP office in Chitral, where the Manager of SLF handed over deworming vaccines to the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer of CGNP. These vaccines were then distributed to local communities through their respective Deputy Rangers, ensuring widespread access to the treatment.

This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of both organizations to conservation and community well-being. By vaccinating livestock, the initiative aims to:

1. Protect Wildlife: Reducing the risk of disease transmission helps safeguard the Markhor population, which is already vulnerable.
2. Support Communities: Healthier livestock are more productive and less prone to diseases, directly benefiting the livelihoods of local families.
3. Promote Conservation: A healthy ecosystem depends on the balance between humans, livestock, and wildlife. This initiative strengthens that balance and fosters coexistence.

The vaccination drive is a significant step toward ensuring the long-term health of Chitral Gol National Park’s unique ecosystem. By protecting both wildlife and livestock, this effort demonstrates how conservation and community development can go hand in hand.