11th International Snow Leopard Day Observed Today

The 11th International Snow Leopard Day is being observed today, aiming to raise public awareness about the need to protect snow leopards and their habitats. Found in just 12 countries worldwide, snow leopards are considered a key indicator of a healthy mountain ecosystem.

This year’s theme, “Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations,” emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural environments critical to their survival and the health of the high-altitude ecosystems they inhabit.

The Ministry of Forest and Environment is marking the day with various programs. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation will release survey results from the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, while the snow leopard study from Dolpa National Park and a photograph of the rare wild yak from Dolpa will also be unveiled.

Director General Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel highlighted that climate change has severely affected snow leopard habitats, reducing their range and the availability of prey. He noted that almost 60% of the snow leopard’s habitat lies outside protected parks, leading to fragmentation. Other challenges include poaching, poisoning, limited monitoring technologies, and budget constraints.

Despite these issues, efforts like surveys and community outreach programs have led to a slight decrease in smuggling. The department is also helping build safe enclosures to protect local livestock from snow leopard attacks.

Snow leopards, typically found at altitudes of 540 to 5,000 meters above sea level, are listed as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List. There are an estimated 300 to 500 snow leopards in Nepal and 4,000 to 6,500 worldwide, underscoring their critical role in maintaining the mountain ecosystems they inhabit.