Nepal publishes first national estimate of snow leopard population
Survey reveals 397 snow leopards across Himalayan habitats, marking key milestone in high-altitude conservation
KATHMANDU, Nepal (MNTV) — Nepal has released its first-ever national estimate of the snow leopard population, reporting 397 individuals across the country’s high-altitude landscapes.
The landmark survey, conducted between 2015 and 2024, puts the average density at 1.56 leopards per 100 square kilometers.
The announcement was made by Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), with support from WWF Nepal and other research institutions.
“This national estimate is a historic step in Nepal’s conservation journey,” said Ram Chandra Kandel, director-general of the DNPWC.
“It not only provides a clearer picture of the snow leopard population but also strengthens our strategy for long-term conservation.”
Researchers employed a combination of camera traps and genetic analysis of scat samples to collect data, following the PAWS (Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards) methodology.
Developed under the Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), PAWS has become a benchmark tool for estimating snow leopard numbers across their range.
Badri Raj Dhungana, director-general of the DoFSC, noted that a significant portion of snow leopard habitat lies outside protected areas.
“This highlights the need for stronger community-based conservation, improved habitat connectivity, and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict,” he said.
Ghana Shyam Gurung, WWF Nepal’s country representative, called the estimate a “critical milestone” that will help prioritize conservation actions. “This baseline will guide future interventions and ensure resources are directed where they’re most needed,” he said, emphasizing the role of local partnerships, especially amid increasing threats from climate change and infrastructure development.
The study compiled data from seven snow leopard landscapes across Nepal, underscoring the country’s leadership in preserving high-altitude biodiversity.
It places Nepal alongside Mongolia, Bhutan, and India — countries that have completed similar assessments in recent years.
Snow leopards are found across 12 countries in Asia, yet remain among the least-studied big cats.
A 2021 WWF report revealed that only 23 percent of the species’ global range has been systematically surveyed, and less than three percent has yielded reliable population estimates.
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