7 snow leopards spotted in Manaslu Conservation Area

GORKHA: As many as seven snow leopards have been spotted near Chhekampar and Samagaun VDCs in northern Gorkha, according to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).

Snow Leopard Preservation Campaign has been launched in the area known to be natural habitat of the endangered mammals.

MCAP Chief Raj Kumar Gurung said an awareness campaign was launched among locals before they were mobilised for the preservation of the endangered big cats.

Experts believe that there could be 15 snow leopards in the district. However, only seven were found during the latest survey.

It is estimated that could be 300 to 500 snow leopards in Nepal.