Camera-trapping surveillance of snow leopards begins in Upper Mustang

MUSTANG: Conservation workers have started camera trapping surveillance across three key areas of Upper Mustang to monitor snow leopard populations.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has deployed 15 motion-activated cameras — 12 near Samar village in Waragung Muktikshetra-3, two along the Thurlungphat ridge above Lo Manthang, and one above the Lo Manthang settlement — to determine snow leopard population amid escalating conflicts between the endangered cats and local communities.

ACAP Office Chief Umesh Poudel said that the monitoring program will help document the current snow leopard distribution while identifying specific conflict zones where the predators increasingly target livestock. He added that the findings of camera-trapping surveillance will help conservationists develop targeted strategies to protect both the endangered cats and local livelihoods.

Earlier, ACAP installed 31 cameras at Yarujho view tower, Sangda, Tiri and Kagbeni and other areas of Upper Mustang to study snow leopard populations.

Snow leopards are facing challenges from climate change, which has reduced their natural prey base in high-altitude habitats. Wildlife experts say the cats are being forced closer to human settlements in search of food, particularly during harsh winter months when their prey—Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr—become scarce.

(Translated from RSS)