Protecting Snow Leopards

Protecting snow leopards

With reference to the letter "Insurance for snow leopards" by Sardar Ali Aman published in the November 30 edition, the ministry of environment would like to clarify that the snow leopard is a rare species which is on the world endangered species list but is in no way an already extinct species as alluded to in the letter. The northern areas of Pakistan and Chitral are estimated to have a population of between 300-400 surviving snow leopards while the global population is estimated at about 7000. Also, Pakistan is uniquely gifted by the fact that the recent media sightings of this elusive animal have occurred here. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest threats to the snow leopard is the human threat such as retaliatory killing following predation of livestock. For there to be any hope of survival for the snow leopard, the conflict between it and the livestock herders has to be resolved. The snow leopard insurance scheme is an innovative measure designed to address this issue. A pilot scheme was privately launched in the Baltistan region and has shown extremely positive results by reducing the impact on farmers of livestock predation by snow leopards. Along with habit protection and preservation, the ministry of environment is also investigating the prospects of replicating this pilot insurance scheme at a larger area while linking it up with eco and adventure tourism to enervate sustainable revenues for the local community. Also, an integrated snow leopard action plan is also in the final stages of development in the country, which will assist in ensuring that this rare species is preserved in Pakistan. Ministry of Environment Islamabad