Environment and Development Research Group
	School of Resource and Environmental Management Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5A 1S6

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Prospects for Community Management of Musk Deer in Nepal The future viability of Himalayan Musk Deer populations in Nepal is uncertain. The musk they produce is one of the most expensive illegally-traded animal products in the world, making them a prime target for over-exploitation through poaching. Current regulations against hunting and international trade in musk deer products have been only moderately successful in addressing their decline. In response, community-based management of stocks has been suggested as an alternative approach. Community management relies upon the ability of individuals and communities to work together in collective action institutions. Weaknesses in these institutions have been shown to result in the ineffective operation of community management conservation programs. Empirical studies have documented in ex post analysis those conditions which are characteristic of well-functioning collective action institutions. This study used these identified characteristics as part of an a priori assessment of the potential for community management of musk deer by Sherpa communities in the vicinity of Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal. The initial study was funded through a grant from Simon Fraser University and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). However, we continue to research the problem of musk deer conservation, such as a student project that will simulate the population dynamics and interactions with local poachers and communities collecting musk, to see how such a "system" can be best managed. Publications/Presentations: Wood, J., D. Knowler and O. Gurung, 2008. "Assessing the Prospects for Community-based Wildlife Management: the Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschos chrysogaster) in Nepal". Human Dimension of Wildlife 13: 1-15. Knowler, D., Gurung, O., and Wood, J., 2004. Assessing the Prospects from Community Management of Wildlife in Sagarmartha (Mt.Everest) National Park, Nepal, Simon Fraser University Research Report, Burnaby, B.C. Wood, J. 2003. Ex ante assessment for collective management : Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) and the Sherpa village of Phortse in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. M.R.M. Research Project No.326, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC.

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last updated: May 2009