Vipul Maurya, Ashika Talreja and Abhimanyu Anand Singh
Abstract
Ecotourism in the Himalayan region has become an important activity, offering economic benefits and promoting biodiversity conservation. However, it often leads to unintended ecological consequences. This study explores the impact of anthropogenic food consumption on the dietary habits of Royleâs pika (Ochotona roylei) in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, India. Royleâs pika, a small herbivorous mammal, was observed incorporating processed human food such as instant noodles, cooked rice, and chips into its diet, deviating from its natural foraging patterns. These changes in dietary habits, influenced by increasing tourism, may affect the pikaâs nutritional balance and ecological roles. Additionally, tourist activities have exacerbated environmental challenges, including waste accumulation and habitat degradation. Our findings underscore the need for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the preservation of natural habitats and minimize the negative impacts on wildlife.