Page 32 - Cornice_Grade 7

WWF Estimates 300-400 Snow Leopards in Nepal

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is a type of elusive species of big cats. They
live in the mountains, up to 18,000 feet altitude. These solitary cats are usually
grey and yellow tinged with black spots and rosettes in their body. They have long,
thick tails for balance and protection from cold.
Their Population
There are 600 snow leopards in captivity worldwide, while there are 4,080 –
6,590 snow leopards in the world. According to the new count of WWF, there are
300-4000 snow leopards in Nepal. It is hard to count then, as they are elusive.
A steady decrease of population
Snow leopards are decreasing, around 20% decline worldwide. In Nepal, they are
facing a risk of about 8-23% decline because of habitat loss, loss of prey and con-
flict with herders and climate change. Climate change could result in 30% habitat
loss in the Himalaya. Other reasons are hunting, trade of pelts and usage of body
parts as medicine.

The Government’s Effort
Snow Leopards are listed in Schedule 1 of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation Act, 1973, making it a priority for conservation. The snow leopards
are recognized as endangered by IUCN. Nepal has been a signatory to CITES
since 1973 and snow leopards are listed in CITES Appendix 1. Nepal leads in snow
leopard studies by researching 74% of the range of these cats.
Achievements
So far, eight snow leopards have been collared with GPS trackers. First 4
were collared in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and others in Shey Phoksundo
National Park. National Parks, Conservation Areas, etc. have been established.
The presence of 18 snow leopards show the success of LIS (Livestock Insurance
Scheme) by working with local communities.
Snow leopard is a big cat that is distributed throughout 12 countries in
Asia. They are elusive, making them difficult for counting and studies. The Gov-
ernment of Nepal has taken many steps to protect them. Until now, eight snow
leopards have been collared.
In my opinion more measures must be taken to conserve the snow leop-
ards in Nepal. New conservation projects must be planned by the government and
we too must work with local communities to create a better environment for the
increase in the number of this dynamic animal and save it from extinction.

- Aabartan Shubham Yadav