In a major milestone for wildlife conservation, Nepal has revealed that it is home to 397 snow leopards, according to the country’s first-ever comprehensive national survey. This elusive species, often called the “ghost of the mountains,” has found a stronghold in Nepal’s rugged Himalayan terrain.
Despite occupying only about 2% of the global snow leopard range, Nepal hosts nearly 10% of the world’s population. This ranks the country fourth globally, after China, Mongolia, and India. The survey, conducted over a span of nearly a decade, used cutting-edge methods like motion-sensor camera traps and DNA analysis from scat samples to arrive at this figure.
The survey followed international guidelines to ensure accuracy and reliability. The findings not only highlight where snow leopards are concentrated but also offer valuable insights into their behavior and movement patterns.
However, nearly half of Nepal’s snow leopard habitat lies outside protected zones, exposing these big cats to ongoing threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservationists are now urging stronger protection measures, more community involvement, and cross-border cooperation.
Nepal’s dedication to protecting the snow leopard stands as a beacon of hope for biodiversity in South Asia and sets an example for mountain conservation efforts worldwide.
