Status of Snow Leopard Population in Nepal 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), known as the “god of the mountains” by Nepal’s mountain communities, is a key species representing the ecological health of high-altitude ecosystems throughout Central Asia and the Himalayas. Nepal plays a pivotal role in global snow leopard conservation, hosting 7-8% of the global population within just 1.6% of the species’ range. As a key player, the country’s ongoing efforts, supported by local communities and governmental initiatives, are essential for the long-term survival of the species. Notably, Nepal is integral to three of the 24 GSLEP priority landscapes, especially the Western Snow Leopard Conservation Landscape, which holds 60% of the national population. With a projected 40% loss of snow leopard habitat due to climate change, adaptive management strategies, such as the Snow Leopard Ecosystem Management Plan (SLEMP), are vital. With a global population estimated at 4,080 to 6,500 individuals, the species is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN, signaling a critical need for conservation efforts. In Nepal, an estimated 301–400 snow leopards reside in three major conservation landscapes—Eastern, Central, and Western—though nearly 42% of their habitat exists outside protected areas. However, estimation was conducted more than 15 years ago in 2008-2009 and Nepal lacks a reliable national estimate of snow leopard abundance and density based on standardized methods. This report presents a first comprehensive analysis of snow leopard abundance, density, and management strategies in Nepal’s snow leopard landscapes, providing the most robust population estimates to date and offering critical insights into conservation efforts.
The study utilized a robust and comprehensive methodology to estimate snow leopard abundance and density in Nepal. The approach combined camera trapping, genetic surveys, in multi-session models, aligned with the GSLEP PAWS guidelines, ensuring reliable population estimates. By incorporating
advanced statistical tools, such as spatially explicit capture recapture models, the study addressed biases, resulting in a more reliable assessment compared to previous approaches. The study estimates Nepal’s snow leopard population at 397 (95% CI: 331.11-475.60), with a density of 1.56 individuals per 100 km². The Western landscape holds the largest portion (60%) of Nepal’s snow leopard population, with significant numbers in the Central and Eastern landscapes. The coefficient of variation (CV) for the top model was 9.3%, indicating relatively low uncertainty in the estimates. The integration of these diverse data sources and methods enhances the accuracy and scientific rigor of the findings, providing a strong foundation for future population monitoring and conservation planning in Nepal. The use of multi-session models overcomes limitations of previous methods, enhancing the accuracy of estimates and allowing for more reliable management decisions.
The national estimate provides the most robust evidence yet to the importance of Nepal to secure the future of the species, globally. These estimates are a testament to Nepal’s conservation commitments, initiated traditionally through indigenous communities’ faith, beliefs and values and sustained lately through leadership of key stakeholders – governments and communities. From a global perspective, strengthening conservation to address threats to snow leopards within Nepal, will help secure a significant proportion of the species’ global population. Nepal is crucial for global snow leopard conservation, with nearly half of the population outside protected areas, the country’s efforts—supported by local communities and the government—focus on habitat connectivity, transboundary cooperation with China, and addressing threats like human-wildlife conflict. Adaptive management strategies, such as the Snow Leopard Ecosystem Management Plan and the Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan, along with infrastructure directives, are vital for balancing conservation goals with development in the face of climate change and increasing human-wildlife interactions.
