13 snow leopards recorded in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Kathmandu, Oct 23: The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is presently home to an estimated 13 mature snow leopards. 

It has been stated in a survey report about the census of snow leopards unveiled here today, marking the 11th International Snow Leopard Day here today. 

The document highlights the presence of 13 mature snow leopards on average in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. 

The survey, conducted between April 4 and June 2, reported a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 24 snow leopards in the area, which spans approximately 2,035 square kilometers in the Taplejung district, recognized as an ideal habitat for this animal.

The programme was jointly organized by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation under the Ministry of Forests and Environment.  

It is said a camera-tapping method for 60 days was applied for the national census of animals. The area spanning around 2035 square kilometers in Taplejung district is considered a suitable habitat for snow leopards.  

On the occasion, Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, underlined the need for collaborative efforts among the government, local communities, and stakeholders concerned with the conservation of snow leopards and to increase their numbers. 

He also added that the government is ready to revise and amend laws to combat animal poaching.  "The snow leopard is integral to Nepal's identity and its conservation is the priority of the government," he said. 

Forest Secretary Dr Deepak Kumar Kharal commended the cooperation from the local levels, security agencies, and supporting organizations in dealing with challenges in the conservation of snow leopards.  

Prior to this, the census report of this animal in the Dolpa region was unveiled and it puts its number at 90.

The census covered the east (forest area) of the Dolpa National Park.  A photo of a wild yak captured inside the Dolpa National Park was also released on the occasion. 

Snow leopards inhabit only 12 countries in the world including Nepal and it is considered the symbol of a clean mountain ecosystem. Besides Nepal, its presence has been recorded in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, India, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.    

The Day has been celebrated with the theme of 'Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations'. 

Nepal has been estimated to have around 300-500 snow leopards while the world is considered to be home for around 4,000 to 6,500.

According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the survey of snow leopards has been already conducted in the Dolpa region ( Shey Phoksundo National Park and outside the forest area), forest areas in Humla district, Manaslu Conservation Area, Gauri Shankar Area and it plans to compile the findings to the presence that national census data of the animal. (RSS)