MUSTANG: Monitoring of the rare snow leopard, a protected wildlife species, has begun in upper Mustang. The monitoring, assisted by camera trapping at three key locations, aims to assess the current status and population of the snow leopard in the region.
The rising cases of human-snow leopard conflict in the area have prompted this initiative. Umesh Paudel, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), stated that 12 cameras have been installed around Baragung Muktikshetra-3, above Thurlungphant of Lomanthang, and near the Lomanthang market.
The primary goal of the project is to develop measures for protecting the snow leopard while managing human-animal conflict. There are concerns about the inconvenience caused to locals, particularly the loss of livestock, which has been exacerbated by the presence of the leopards.
Known as the “Queen of the Himalayas,” the snow leopard plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, carrying both cultural and biological significance. Paudel emphasized the urgent need to protect the snow leopard while also safeguarding traditional livestock farming.
“Locals have practiced livestock farming for centuries, and now is the time to implement new programs for the sustainable management of both the animal and the farming practices, ensuring both are preserved,” he said.
Previously, ACAP monitored the status of the snow leopard in various locations across the district using 31 cameras.
Reports indicate that the snow leopard’s behavior has changed due to the impacts of climate change.
The animals have been descending to lower altitudes, following their prey, particularly the Himalayan blue sheep (Naur), which have been shifting to lower elevations due to the depletion of alpine grasslands caused by climate change.
Comment