Nepal is home to approximately 10% of the world’s snow leopards, according to new data released by WWF Nepal. The country currently has 397 snow leopards, making it a significant stronghold for this elusive and vulnerable species.

Snow leopards inhabit Nepal’s high mountainous regions, covering an area of about 30,500 square kilometers. Globally, an estimated 3,200 to 5,390 snow leopards roam across 12 countries, including China, India, Mongolia, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Nepal, according to the US-based Snow Leopard Trust.

WWF Nepal's Mountain Program Manager Sarin Shrestha said the new figures were compiled by analyzing multiple research studies and field data, with support from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation. The data spans studies conducted between 2015 and 2024, using advanced tools like genetic analysis, camera traps, and population density surveys from seven key areas.

Snow leopard populations in other countries include 2,000–2,500 in China, 953 in Mongolia, 718 in India, and 134 in Bhutan.

Snow leopard expert Shashank Poudel noted that the assessment followed guidelines from the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program’s ‘Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards.’ A senior ecologist from the Department of National Parks led the technical team, with contributions from WWF and various conservation researchers.

Challenges to conservation

Despite progress, several challenges remain. Nearly 60% of Nepal's snow leopard habitat lies outside protected areas and is increasingly fragmented. Threats include retaliatory killings due to human-wildlife conflict, trapping, poisoning, and limited monitoring capacity due to difficult terrain, lack of technology, manpower, and funding.

Snow leopards are usually found at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,500 meters above sea level and are classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. There are more snow leopards in western Nepal than in the east, with the Dolpa region alone home to around 90 snow leopards.

WWF Nepal’s National Representative Dr. Ghanshyam Gurung called the latest data a milestone in Nepal’s conservation journey. He emphasized that the findings will help shape future conservation strategies and encourage greater community participation in protecting the species.

Six-Year Action Plan

To strengthen conservation efforts, the Ministry of Forests has launched the ‘Snow Leopard Conservation and Action Plan (2024–2030).’ The plan focuses on improving habitats and wildlife corridors, reducing human-snow leopard conflict, curbing poaching, and promoting cross-border cooperation.

An estimated Rs 1.77 billion will be required to implement the plan over six years. Around 35% of the budget is allocated for conflict mitigation through community engagement, while 26% is set aside for wildlife crime control. All strategies include investment in partnerships, capacity building, and collaboration with local communities.

Despite being one of the least studied big cats, snow leopards play a crucial role as indicators of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. A 2021 WWF report revealed that only 23% of the species’ global range has been systematically studied so far. -- RSS