Kathmandu, 23rd October 2024: International Snow Leopard Day 2024 was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu. Government officials, conservation organizations, researchers, and members of the press gathered to showcase significant efforts toward the protection of one of the world’s rarest big cats.
The event kicked off with the announcement of the snow leopard population numbers in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, based on a study recently completed by the government of Nepal with support from WWF Nepal. More details about the study is available here.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Eastern Dolpa Snow Leopard Population Report. This groundbreaking study, the first of its kind in the region, revealed an estimated population of 30 snow leopards in Eastern Dolpa, with a density of 1.5 snow leopards per 100 km². These findings provide a vital baseline for understanding the status of snow leopards and their habitat, offering essential data for future conservation and management efforts.
Rediscovery of the Wild Yak in Nepal: A Milestone for Biodiversity Conservation
In a remarkable addition to the day’s achievements, the event also announced the discovery of a Wild Yak (Bos Mutus) in Shey Phoksundo National Park. Once considered ‘data deficient’ and possibly regionally extinct, the Wild Yak was sighted at an altitude of 4,825 m above sea level, following reports from the local community. This sighting, facilitated by collaboration between DNPWC, Shey Phoksundo National Park, and WWF, involved citizen scientists Mr. Sonam Wangdi and Mr. Urgyen Gurung, who conducted an assessment in Upper Dolpa.
The celebration underscored Nepal’s commitment to the conservation of snow leopards and their habitat and served as a testament to the collaborative efforts that not only protect these magnificent animals but also ensure the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.
(Banner Photo: WWF Nepal Sanjog Rai)
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