For the first time, Nepal has an official figure on its snow leopard population. According to a national study presented this week by wildlife experts, it is estimated that almost 400 of these elusive felines still inhabit the Himalayan country.
The report, considered a milestone for conservation in the region, was conducted using camera traps and genetic analysis in seven key high mountain areas. In total, 397 individuals were identified, an encouraging figure within the most optimistic range of previous estimates.
The news comes amidst a complex scenario. The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to habitat loss, poaching, and the effects of climate change on its fragile ecosystems.
“This is a historic step in Nepal’s journey to protect this iconic species,” said Haribhadra Acharya, an ecologist from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. “For the first time, we have authentic data, the result of an unprecedented scientific effort.”
A Challenging Feline to Study
Snow leopards are one of the least studied big cats on the planet, not only due to their low population density but also because they live in remote and inaccessible areas. Their mottled gray coat, large snow-adapted paws, and solitary behavior make them almost invisible to the human eye.
Globally, it is estimated that there are between 3,920 and 6,390 individuals, distributed across 12 countries in Asia, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, a U.S.-based organization working for their preservation.
Conservation in Times of Climate Change
While the study results are encouraging, challenges persist. Experts warn that the advancement of infrastructure in mountainous areas and the increasing impact of global warming could jeopardize the species’ habitats.
Conservationists celebrate the report as a solid foundation for making more effective and urgent decisions. “Knowing how many there are and where they are is key to better protect them,” they conclude.
Snow Leopards, Unique Felines
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a large feline with a grayish fur and black spots, adapted to live in the high mountains of Central Asia. It has a set of physical characteristics that allow it to survive in cold and rugged environments, such as a dense coat, wide paws, a long tail, and a smaller body compared to other large felines.
Moreover, it is a solitary predator that hunts stealthily and has a varied diet including wild goats and other high-altitude animals. These solitary and nocturnal hunters prefer steep and rocky terrains. However, they are threatened by illegal hunting, habitat loss, and conflict with humans, factors considered as the main threats to the survival of this species, which is vulnerable.
Source: AFP.
