Kathmandu: The 11th International Snow Leopard Day is being observed today to raise awareness about the need to protect snow leopards and their habitats. Found in only 12 countries, the snow leopard is considered a key indicator of the health of mountainous ecosystems.

The theme for 2024, "Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations," highlights the urgency of protecting their natural environment to ensure their survival. In Nepal, the Ministry of Forest and Environment is commemorating the day with several programs, including the release of snow leopard survey results from the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Dolpa National Park.

Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, emphasized that climate change is shrinking snow leopard habitats in the high mountainous regions, leading to a decrease in their prey species. Around 60 percent of snow leopard habitats lie outside protected areas, making them more vulnerable to fragmentation, poaching, and other threats.

Efforts are being made to address these challenges, including raising local awareness, improving monitoring, and reducing poaching. The Department has also helped build protective sheds for livestock to prevent conflicts with snow leopards.

Snow leopards, found at altitudes between 540 to 5,000 meters, are listed as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List. Nepal is home to an estimated 300-500 snow leopards, while the global population is believed to be between 4,000 and 6,500. Their survival is crucial for the health of high-altitude ecosystems.