KATHMANDU, APRIL 21
Nepal has announced its national estimate of the elusive snow Leopard population, marking a major milestone in the conservation of this iconic Himalayan species. The country now estimates there are 397 snow leopards across its mountainous terrain, with a mean density of 1.56 individuals per 100 square kilometers.
The comprehensive assessment was led by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), with coordination and data analysis carried out under their leadership. Data collected between 2015 and 2024 from seven regions across the country were used in the assessment, according to the press release issued by the WWF Nepal on Sunday.
This scientific achievement underscores the country's commitment to safeguarding snow leopards and their fragile mountain ecosystems, the release further stated.
Speaking on the significance of this achievement, Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel, Director General of DNPWC, stated, "This national estimate is a historic step in Nepal's conservation journey. It not only provides us with a clearer picture of snow leopard populations but also informs future conservation strategies. Our commitment to protecting this species remains unwavering, and we will continue working closely with local communities and global partners to ensure their long term survival."
The study used advanced technology, including camera traps and genetic analysis of scat samples, and followed the Population Assessment of the World's Snow Leopards (PAWS) protocol under the Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP). The technical team included government experts, individual researchers, and conservation partners such as WWF, it further noted.
"A significant portion of Nepal's snow leopard habitat falls outside designated protected areas, underscoring the need for targeted conservation measures in these landscapes. Strengthening community-based initiatives, habitat connectivity, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies will be crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of snow leopards across their range." stated, Badri Raj Dhungana, Director General of DoFSC.
Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, "The WWF Network is proud to have supported this pioneering effort to establish a national population baseline for snow leopards. This result will serve as a foundation for participatory conservation, ensuring that we prioritize areas where interventions are most needed. Collaboration among government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities is key to our success thus far and for the future of this species in the face of climate change and rapid infrastructure growth."
Snow leopards – found in 12 range countries across Asia - are among the least studied of the big cats. In 2021, a WWF report noted that just about 23% of snow leopard's global range has been systematically studied, and less than 3% have empirical data on abundance. Nepal joins countries like Mongolia, Bhutan, and India in conducting national assessments under PAWS guidelines, contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts.
The success of this initiative underscores Nepal's global leadership in snow leopard conservation and highlights the importance of continued investment in scientific research, community-based conservation, and transboundary cooperation to secure the future of this species, the WWF Nepal said.
