Rare Snow Leopards Sighting in Pakistan
Conservation efforts in Pakistan have shown promise, with 80% of local community members involved in conservation, tracking, and awareness activities, but the species remains endangered due to threats such as poaching, habitat degradation, and climate change, emphasizing the need for sustained community involvement and protection measures.
A remarkable sighting of four snow leopards, including a mother and her three cubs, has been captured on camera in Pakistan's Central Karakoram National Park, sparking excitement among conservationists and highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts.
The footage, taken by local gamekeeper and photographer Sakhawat Ali, shows the snow leopards moving across a snow-covered cliff, a rare occurrence due to their elusive nature. Snow leopards are solitary animals and typically remain hidden in their rocky habitat, making this sighting unusual. The species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and has a global population estimated at 4,000 to 6,500.
Pakistan's northern mountains provide a critical habitat for the species, with the Gilgit-Baltistan region containing the largest proportion of the country's snow leopard population. Conservation efforts in Pakistan have made significant strides, including community-based initiatives, wildlife protection programs, and collaboration with local communities. Despite these efforts, snow leopards face ongoing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and poaching.
The sighting of four snow leopards is seen as a positive indicator of the species' presence and potential population stability in Pakistan. However, recent attacks on goats near a village in Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in the death of two goats and injury of three, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by conservationists. Wildlife experts advise local communities to inform residents about snow leopard behavior and take precautions to prevent further attacks.
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Pakistan, stressed the importance of local communities working together to protect and conserve the snow leopards, and the need for continued conservation efforts to safeguard the country's fragile mountain ecosystems and the endangered snow leopard population.