Mustang: The monitoring of the rare snow leopard has begun in Upper Mustang using camera trapping technology to assess its current status and population.

The initiative, prompted by increasing human-snow leopard conflicts, is being carried out at three locations in Mustang. According to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Office Chief Umesh Paudel, 12 cameras have been installed in areas around Baragung Muktikshetra-3, Thurlungphant of Lomanthang, and above Lomanthang market.

The primary objective of the monitoring is to develop measures to protect the snow leopard while addressing human-animal conflicts, which have led to livestock losses for local farmers.

Often referred to as the "Queen of the Himalayas," the snow leopard plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and holds cultural, religious, and biological significance in the region. Conservationists stress the urgent need to protect both the snow leopard and traditional livestock farming by implementing sustainable management programs.

"The locals have been practicing livestock farming for centuries. It is now time to introduce new measures that safeguard both the farming tradition and the snow leopard population," said Paudel.

Previously, ACAP monitored snow leopards across Mustang using 31 cameras. Experts have observed behavioral changes in the species due to climate change, with the animals descending to lower altitudes in search of prey. Their primary food source, the Himalayan Blue Sheep (Naur), has started migrating downward due to shrinking alpine grasslands caused by rising temperatures.

The ongoing monitoring is expected to provide valuable insights for future conservation efforts while ensuring coexistence between the snow leopard and local communities.