April 26.2024: In a recent report released on Friday, the findings of a snow leopard survey conducted in the Dolpa region have been disclosed, shedding light on the elusive cat population in the area.
The survey, spanning five months from April to August 2023, utilized a systematic camera trap method to tally the number of snow leopards residing outside the protected zones of Dolpa. Results indicate a notable presence of these majestic felines beyond the confines of the Shey-Phoksundo National Park.
Assisted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal, the study estimated a snow leopard density of 1.5 per 100 square kilometers, confirming the existence of approximately 30 individuals within the surveyed area.
A similar study conducted four years prior within the national park reported a higher density of 2.2 snow leopards per 100 square kilometers, totaling 90 individuals within the conservation area alone. This brings the cumulative snow leopard count in Dolpa to 120, marking the region as a significant habitat for the species in Nepal.
Recognized as rare, endangered, and protected wildlife, snow leopards inhabit the rugged, high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding their fragile population.
