CHITRAL: Wildlife Department officials discovered a dead male snow leopard in the Garam Chashma area of Chitral. They said the elderly snow leopard died of natural causes earlier this week.
Moreover, conservationists described the incident as an encouraging sign of improving human-wildlife coexistence in northern Pakistan.
The carcass was discovered on January 19 in a forested area above Wakht village. Subsequently, a joint field assessment and postmortem were conducted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department and the Snow Leopard Foundation.
Findings rule out human involvement
According to officials, the assessment showed the animal, estimated to be around 12 years old, died from severe diarrhoea and dehydration linked to old age and food scarcity. Investigators found no evidence of poaching, poisoning, snaring or any other form of human-induced harm.
As a result, wildlife experts noted that such natural deaths are uncommon because large carnivores often die from conflict with humans before reaching old age.
Community efforts underpin conservation progress
Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Shezra Mansab Kharal said the case reflected the success of science-based conservation and community engagement. She added that community support makes coexistence with rare species like the snow leopard possible in the region.
Consequently, authorities and conservation groups launched awareness sessions and promoted livestock protection measures.
The Snow Leopard Foundation said communities opted for long-term mitigation solutions over compensation claims. These included livestock vaccination, predator-proof corrals, insurance schemes, and conservation education.
GSLEP Emissary Jamal Leghari said most snow leopards die due to human-related causes. Therefore, a natural death suggests coexistence is working.
Officials said they will continue to strengthen conflict-mitigation programs and monitor snow leopard habitats across Chitral.
Natural death of elderly snow leopard in Chitral highlights conservation success, community cooperation, and human-wildlife coexistence efforts.
