The snow leopard is a beautiful cat or felid that comes from the same genus as the Tiger. The snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are the apex or top predators in the mountainous areas especially in different higher altitude districts like Dolpo, Humla, Mugu, Mustang, Manang, Myagdi, Rasuwa, Dolakha, Solukhumbu and Taplejung in Nepal. Snow Leopard is an extremely important species that is an indicator of good ecological structure. However, studies estimate about 300+ individuals with only 39 in the eastern Himalayan landscape system in Nepal. Poaching, habitat fragmentation and climate change are looming challenges for the Snow leopard. And unfortunately in June, Nepal Police seized a snow leopard skin in Kathmandu acting on the notification that came from "WCN's community alert system for illegal wildlife trade". This means our landscape is less of one snow leopard. The skin is believed to have come from Manang area. Master of disguise, Snow leopard uses its thick, grey-white fur with its dark spots and rosettes as a natural camouflage against the rocky and mountainous terrain it lives in. And it is for the same beautiful skin, it is usually mostly poached for. Snow leopard has also earned its nickname as the “Ghost of the Mountain”, in its habitat range for its illusiveness. It is vitally important that as citizens of Nepal we take care of our wild flora and fauna- our natural heritage. You can also play a part in this, please contact your nearest Police Station or inform WCN if you also see illegal wildlife trade happening in your area. Know your wildlife! Preserve your wildlife!

The list of protected species of Nepal