Nepal Marks International Snow Leopard Day with New Conservation Report
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to 13 adult snow leopards, contributing to Nepal’s estimated population of 350 to 500 of these elusive cats. On the occasion of the 11th International Snow Leopard Day, celebrated on Wednesday, Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, emphasized the need for intensified conservation efforts to protect snow leopards from poaching and habitat loss.
The event, hosted by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Forest and Soil Conservation Department under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, unveiled the findings of a recent survey conducted between April 4 and June 2, 2024, in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. This year’s theme for Snow Leopard Day, *“Protecting Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations,”* underscored the importance of safeguarding the natural environment to sustain Himalayan ecosystems, with snow leopards as key indicators of ecological health.
The Kanchenjunga survey, which utilized camera traps across protected zones and forests, estimated between nine and 24 snow leopards living in the region. Cameras were deployed for 60 days across 16-square-kilometre grids within a total area of 2,035 square kilometres deemed suitable habitat. Minister Thakuri highlighted the government’s readiness to amend laws, if needed, to combat poaching and smuggling, and stressed the importance of engaging local communities in conservation efforts. He also noted that snow leopards are integral to Nepal’s identity and that their preservation remains a national priority.
A separate report on the snow leopard population in Eastern Dolpa was also launched during the event. This groundbreaking study estimates the region hosts around 30 snow leopards, with a density of 1.5 snow leopards per 100 square kilometres. Previous surveys recorded about 90 snow leopards across the broader Dolpa region.
Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Rupa BK, called for collaboration between the government, donor agencies, and local stakeholders to tackle challenges in snow leopard conservation. She described the snow leopard, which thrives in the rugged Himalayan terrain, as a symbol of the region’s ecological well-being and urged for coordinated conservation campaigns.
Other officials also acknowledged the significance of conservation efforts. Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal, Secretary at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, praised the contributions of local communities, security forces, and partner organizations. Dr. Ramchandra Kandel, Director General of National Parks, noted the progress in snow leopard conservation through collaborative efforts. Similarly, Shiva Wagle, Director General of the Forest and Soil Conservation Department, emphasized that the presence of snow leopards in Nepal has elevated the country’s global environmental standing.
The program also featured the release of a photograph of a wild yak captured in Dolpa National Park, symbolizing the richness of Nepal’s biodiversity.
Snow leopards, found in 12 countries including Nepal, Afghanistan, India, China, and Russia, serve as indicators of a healthy Himalayan environment. Globally, the snow leopard population is estimated to be between 4,000 and 6,500.
On the same day, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) held a press meet to highlight their involvement in the survey, conducted in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Shey Phoksundo National Park, and citizen scientists. Sonam Wangdi and Urgyen Gurung, two local citizen scientists, were commended for their extensive work in Upper Dolpa. Their efforts not only provided valuable data but also underscored the critical role of communities in wildlife conservation.
International Snow Leopard Day serves as a reminder of the need to protect these rare cats and their habitats, ensuring the health and sustainability of mountain ecosystems for future generations.