As Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to protect the endangered snow leopard on Thursday, officials warned that the nation’s small population of approximately 167 of these elusive felines is under immense pressure from a combination of climate change, habitat loss, and escalating human-wildlife conflict.
The declaration came on International Snow Leopard Day, with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC and EC) highlighting the grave dangers confronting the species, often referred to as the ‘ghost of the mountains.’
Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, a spokesperson for the ministry and a specialist in wildlife conservation, emphasized the government’s resolve. ‘Together with mountain communities, scientists, and conservation partners, Pakistan is committed to ensuring that the snow leopard continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience and ecological balance in our high mountains,’ he stated.
Observed annually on October 23, the international day is being marked this year with the theme ‘Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations,’ aiming to galvanize collective action for the preservation of this iconic big cat.
Globally, the snow leopard population is estimated to be between 3,500 and 7,000, dispersed across 12 countries. In Pakistan, a recent national survey provided the first scientific baseline, estimating around 167 individuals living across 80,000 square kilometres of the Hindu Kush, Pamir, Karakoram, and Himalayan ranges.
Mr. Shaikh identified rising temperatures, retreating glaciers, and expanding human activities as critical risks forcing the cats closer to human settlements. This encroachment significantly heightens the danger of retaliatory killings and poaching, adding to existing pressures from overgrazing and the depletion of natural prey species.
To counter these challenges, Pakistan is pursuing a multi-faceted strategy that includes policy reforms and robust community engagement. Initiatives such as livestock insurance schemes, the construction of predator-proof corrals, and the promotion of ecotourism are being implemented to reduce conflict between local communities and the wildlife.
The nation is also an active participant in the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP), which unites all 12 range countries to secure habitats. Under the MoCC and EC, the National Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme and cross-border collaborations with neighboring countries are showing encouraging results in improving monitoring and mitigating human-wildlife friction.
Mr. Shaikh concluded by calling for sustained advocacy and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws. He stressed that the long-term survival of the species depends on a combination of effective governance and community ownership, making the protection of snow leopards a national priority.