Potential impact of trophy hunting on vigilance and flight behaviour in Blue Sheep (Bharal: Pseudois nayaur)

Conservation management is often integrated into a broader tourism context, and under some conditions allows wildlife trophy hunting to support its goals. In such cases it generally acknowledged that the direct impact of requires careful monitoring regulation with respect size dynamics hunted populations. However, may also affect behaviour local wildlife, including their reaction approach humans. Thus, have consequences on conservation if animals respond by changing in way makes them more difficult monitor or for tourists observe. We examined potential vigilance flight Blue Sheep (Bharal: Pseudois nayaur) Nepal, comparing behavioural responses areas contrasting approaches: Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) where male been since 1980 s, Annapurna Area (ACA) forbidden. DHR had higher levels than sheep ACA (10 % versus 8 time respectively). were much foot, groups having an average initiation distance 96 ± 7 m 39 3 ACA, subsequently moving greater distances when disturbed (flight movement ACA: 79 26 2 These results suggest impacts extend well beyond population dynamic animal removal. effects additional consideration required balancing observation activities same area. It would be valuable assess hunting-induced changes effectiveness areas.