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WELCOME
WELCOME
Institute of Mountain Environment aims to conserve high priority mountain eco-systems, increase environmentally and culturally sustainable livelihoods for mountain communities, promote support for mountain cultures and issues through advocacy, research and outreach. The key strategic areas prioritized to be included under the domain of the centre would be biodiversity conservation and management, climate change, hill water resource management, mountain risks and disasters, EIA, ecological degradation and pollution, tourism, rural livelihood and socio-economic framework etc. IME will help translate key concerns into operational action areas and optimize the use of financial, human, and institutional resources locally and globally.
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Vision
Vision
Institute of Mountain Environment would aspire to strive for providing assistance and better understanding on key environmental concerns, services and livelihoods for environmentally sustainable development and to help government, society and especially the underprivileged hill people of region.
Mission
Mission
In the pursuit of environmental conservation and sustainable development in mountainous areas.
Mendate
Mendate
Institute of Mountain Environment aims to conserve high priority mountain eco-systems, increase environmentally and culturally sustainable livelihoods for mountain communities, promote support for mountain cultures and issues through advocacy, research and outreach. The key strategic areas prioritized to be included under the domain of the centre would be biodiversity conservation and management, climate change, hill water resource management, mountain risks and disasters, EIA, ecological degradation and pollution, tourism, rural livelihood and socio-economic framework etc.
IME will help translate key concerns into operational action areas and optimize the use of financial, human, and institutional resources locally and globally.
Objectives
Objectives
to conduct research and scientific studies on mountain ecosystems and generate database and information systems for environmental assessment and integrated management.
to interact and collaborate with organizations at national and international levels in areas of academics, research, and training on environmentally appropriate technologies and viable practices .
to generate information database to facilitate evaluation, monitoring and management of environmental risks, hazards and natural disasters in mountains.
to conceptualize natural resource management practices for sustainable livelihood in fragile environs.
to conduct studies and generate data on alternative livelihood options and diversified production with effective community participation.
to improve co-ordination of regional efforts to protect fragile mountain ecosystems through consideration of appropriate mechanisms including regional, legal and other instruments.
TEAM (Researchers)
Vandana Dutt
Mohd Tehseen
FIELD NOTES
FIELD NOTES
Field Note: Date: September-November, 2024.
Padder, Kishtwar (J&K)
During this period, our research team installed 86 camera traps across various locations in the Paddar Valley, including Gandhari, Kabban, Ungai, Hamori, Palali, Hagshu, Machail, Bhuzunu, Barnaj, Bhuzas, and Darlang. These traps were carefully placed in diverse habitats to maximize wildlife detection. In November, the team retrieved the traps, which yielded outstanding results. The camera traps successfully captured images of a wide range of Himalayan wildlife. Highlights include the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and Himalayan wolf, alongside other fascinating species such as red foxes, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan ibex, red giant flying squirrels, Himalayan stoat, and Indian crested porcupines. The data also recorded the activity patterns, behaviors, and interactions of these species, providing critical ecological insights. This information contributes significantly to understanding the region's biodiversity, helping to inform conservation efforts and strategies for protecting these vulnerable species and their habitats.
Field Note: Date: January 19, 2024
Padder, Kishtwar (J&K)
Snow Leopard, Panthera uncia
On 19 January 2024, our research team successfully photo-captured the elusive snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Padder Valley, Kishtwar. This significant finding confirms the presence of this rare and vulnerable species in the region, underscoring the necessity for ongoing conservation efforts. Camera traps, strategically placed based on prior indirect evidences (pugmarks, scats, scrapes etc), captured clear images of the snow leopard, highlighting the ecological importance of Padder Valley. This discovery emphasizes the need for intensified conservation measures to protect the snow leopard and its habitat from threats such as habitat degradation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Field Note: Date: October 24, 2023
Bani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathua (J&K)
Himalayan musk deer, Moschus leucogaster
On 3/08/2023, a team of IME researchers installed camera traps in Bani Wildlife Sanctuary and successfully photo-captured the elusive Himalayan musk deer. This significant discovery confirms the presence of this rare species in the sanctuary, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation efforts. The Himalayan musk deer inhabits subalpine oak and rhododendron forests at elevations of 3,000-4,300 meters and medium- to high-elevation coniferous forests in the Western Himalayas. As one of the most threatened mammals in the region, the Himalayan musk deer is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the urgency for proactive conservation measures to protect this species and its habitat.
Field Note: Date: December 1, 2023
Bani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathua (J&K)
Himalayan Brown Bear, Ursus arctos isabellinus
Exciting milestone today – captured the first-ever photo of a Himalayan brown bear in Bani Wildlife Sanctuary using camera traps at 2700m elevation. The Camera Trapping Survey confirms their presence and reveals they share habitat with the Asiatic black bear. A breakthrough in understanding the biodiversity of this sanctuary, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.
Field Note: Date: August 13, 2021
Thein Conservation Reserve, Kathua (J&K)
Indian Leopard, Panthera pardus fusca
Our camera trapping survey revealed the presence of an adult male Indian leopard in Thein Conservation Reserve. This individual appeared in multiple photo-captures across different camera traps, indicating its frequent presence in the area. These findings contribute to our ongoing efforts to understand and conserve the wildlife in this region.
Field Note: Date: October 12, 2020
Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathua (J&K)
Indian Pangolin, Manis crassicaudata
Today, our team achieved a breakthrough in our wildlife monitoring at Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary – the first-ever photographic record of an Indian Pangolin using camera traps. This confirms their presence in the sanctuary, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts. The Indian Pangolin, one of the most threatened and heavily trafficked protected mammals, emphasizes the urgency for proactive conservation measures
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