Insufficient research has been conducted on musk deer species across their distribution range, primarily because of their elusive behaviour and the fact they occupy remote high-altitude habitats in the Himalayas above 2500 m. The available distribution records, primarily derived from ecological studies with limited photographic and indirect evidence, fail to provide comprehensive information on the species distribution. Consequently, uncertainties arise when attempting to determine the presence of specific taxonomic units of musk deer in the Western Himalayas. This lack of knowledge hampers species-oriented conservation efforts, as there need to be more species-specific initiatives focused on monitoring, protecting, and combatting the illegal poaching of musk deer for their valuable musk pods. We used transect surveys (220 trails), camera traps (255 cameras), non-invasive DNA sampling (40 samples), and geospatial modelling (279 occurrence records) to resolve the taxonomic ambiguity, and identify the suitable habitat of musk deer (Moschus spp.) in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand and the Lahaul–Pangi landscape of Himachal Pradesh. All the captured images and DNA-based identification results confirmed the presence of only Kashmir musk deer (KDM) (Moschus cupreus) in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The results suggest that KMD inhabit a narrow range of suitable habitats (6.9%) of the entire Western Himalayas. Since all evidence indicates that only KMD are present in the Western Himalayas, we suggest that the presence of other species of musk deer (Alpine musk deer and Himalayan musk deer) was wrongly reported. Therefore, future conservation plans and management strategies must focus only on KMD in the Western Himalayas.

Himalayan monal is a conservation priority species in its entire distribution range because of its declining population due to various anthropogenic threats. However, the information on its distribution and abundance is lacking, which is vital for conservation and management planning. Hence, the present study has assessed the abundance and occupancy of Himalayan monal in Uttarkashi district (Uttarakhand). Camera traps and conventional sign surveys were used for documenting the species during 2018–2019. We deployed a total of 69 camera traps (2819 trap nights) and surveyed 54 trails (650 km), representing the entire habitat and topographic variability of the landscape. The single‐season occupancy framework was used to understand the distribution and occupancy of Himalayan monal in the Uttarkashi district. The top model suggests that the occupancy probability of Himalayan monal was positively influenced (β = 27.52 SE ± 16.25) by landscape slope and was negatively influenced by Reserve Forest (RF) (β = −8.14 SE ± 4.99). The observed naïve occupancy of Himalayan monal was 0.69 in the study area, which was slightly lower than the estimated occupancy. However, in the null model, the site occupancy estimated was found to be 0.82 ± 0.08 with a detection probability of 0.23 ± 0.03. The overall abundance of monal was estimated to be 171.58 ± 10.2 individuals in the study area with an average density of 0.62 km ⁻² . The activity pattern analysis indicates that Himalayan monal remains very active between 6:00 and 12:00 h and slightly less active during mid‐day hours when humans are most active 11:30–16:30 h in its habitat. The present study is a first attempt to estimate occupancy and abundance of monal in non‐protected areas (PA) using both the camera traps and sign surveys. We found that Himalayan monal is abundant outside the PAs, which is a good indication of its long‐term viability. We also identified areas for conservation and management prioritization in Uttarkashi.

Himalayan tahr is a group-living animal of high-altitude Himalaya, distributed all across the subalpine range that also formed an important prey base for large carnivores in Himalaya. The species is threatened due to habitat fragmentation, illegal poaching, and anthropogenic activities. We undertook population genetic assessment of Himalayan tahr from Western Himalaya and observed comparable genetic diversity at both mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite loci. Bayesian skyline plots showed stable demography in the past several thousand years. We identified 27 unique individuals with a select panel of seven loci and the Bayesian structure analysis inferred two genetic clusters. The present study is the first report on the population genetic make-up of Himalayan tahr and can be used for long-term genetic monitoring of the species.

Ungulates play a pivotal role in structuring forest ecosystems, serving as key herbivores that influence vegetation dynamics, predator-prey relationships, and overall biodiversity. A camera trap-based study was conducted in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamba, to assess the mammalian fauna of the region. During the study period, six camera traps were deployed, resulting in a cumulative effort of 321 trap nights. Interestingly, the first photographic documentation of the Sambar (Rusa unicolor) was reported from the Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 106 independent captures of Sambar were obtained from two camera traps at an elevation of 2484m and 2085m. These images provided unequivocal evidence of the species’ presence and highlighted the value of camera traps in wildlife monitoring programs, especially in rugged Himalayan terrain where direct sightings can be rare and logistically challenging. This finding is particularly significant because, until now, no concrete visual records existed to confirm the presence of sambar within the sanctuary’s boundaries. The confirmation of Sambar occurrence not only enhances the known faunal diversity of the area but also underscores the ecological importance of the sanctuary as a secure habitat for large-bodied ungulates. Further attention is given to the geographical and ecological characteristics of the Kalatop–Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes mixed coniferous forests, undulating valleys, and a mosaic of habitats capable of supporting diverse fauna. This documentation is an important addition to the baseline faunal inventories of Himachal Pradesh and fills a critical gap in long-term wildlife monitoring. By establishing photographic confirmation, the study provides useful insights for future conservation planning, habitat management, and protection measures within the Western Himalayan region.