Conservation Milestone: Snow Leopards Are Thriving Here

The population of the elusive snow leopard has increased by almost 40% in Bhutan since the last national survey in 2016, proof that conservation efforts in Asia’s high mountains have paid off.

“The increase in snow leopard numbers demonstrates Bhutan’s strong commitment to global conservation and illustrates what can be achieved with visionary leaders, a network of interconnected protected habitats, and meaningful participation and stewardship of local communities,” says Dechen Dorji, Senior Director, Asia Wildlife, WWF-US.

Thanks to 310 camera trap stations over 9,000 km² of the big cat’s habitat across the northern alpine landscape, a total of 134 snow leopards – an increase of 39.5% from the previous survey in 2016 when 96 individuals were counted. Designated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the snow leopard is a protected species. Therefore, it is illegal to kill or harm them. Snow leopards act as an indicator of the health of their mountain habitat. Among the recommendations proposed in the report are the establishment of livestock insurance and the provision of coral fencing and community-based wildlife tourism to facilitate the co-existence of the bug cats and communities that share the same landscape.