Natural Death of Snow Leopard in Chitral Highlights Improved Human-Wildlife Coexistence
Chitral Times Report
Chitral: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department and the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) have confirmed the natural death of an elderly male snow leopard in the Garam Chashma area of Chitral following a joint field assessment and postmortem examination.
The carcass was discovered on 19 January 2026 in a forested area above Wakht village. According to veterinary findings, the approximately 12-year-old snow leopard died due to severe diarrhea and dehydration caused by old age and prolonged food shortage. Authorities found no evidence of poaching, poisoning, snaring, or any human-induced harm.
Conservation experts described the incident as a rare and positive ecological signal, noting that large carnivores often do not survive to old age due to human-related threats. The natural death of a snow leopard, they said, reflects improving coexistence between local communities and wildlife.
Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal, said the case demonstrates the success of science-based conservation and community engagement, adding that informed and supported communities make coexistence with endangered species possible.
In recent months, Garam Chashma had drawn attention after videos of snow leopards near villages caused public concern. In response, the KP Wildlife Department and SLF conducted awareness sessions, reassured residents, and promoted preventive livestock-protection measures. Local communities emphasized long-term solutions rather than compensation, prompting SLF to provide livestock vaccination and commit to expanding predator-proof corrals, insurance schemes, and conservation education in the area.
KP Wildlife Divisional Forest Officer Chitral, Mr. Farooq Nabi, confirmed that field teams found no signs of conflict or illegal activity, stating that the incident reflects effective patrolling, community cooperation, and coordination with conservation partners.
SLF Director Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz said the case should be seen as evidence that community-centered conservation works, noting that the snow leopard avoided conflict throughout its life.
Authorities and SLF reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening conflict-mitigation measures, expanding livestock protection initiatives, and maintaining strong monitoring across Chitral’s snow leopard habitat, presenting the incident as a positive example of coexistence in Pakistan’s mountain landscapes.
