GILGIT-BALTISTAN: A rare sighting of four snow leopards in the snowy cliffs of northern Pakistan has sparked excitement among conservationists. These elusive big cats are rarely seen in the wild, making this an extraordinary moment for wildlife preservation in the region.
The footage was captured by Sakhawat Ali, a gamekeeper and photography enthusiast from Hushe village, who spent two weeks tracking their pawprints in the snow-covered Central Karakoram National Park near K2. On March 13, he finally spotted a mother snow leopard and her three cubs, a sight even the village elders had never witnessed before.
Ali first noticed the mother before spotting additional pawprints. Using binoculars from his rooftop, he later caught sight of all four leopards together. He quickly grabbed his camera and filmed them from about 200 metres away. The discovery has been met with celebration in the village, though some locals worry about their livestock being at risk.
Snow leopards, often called the “ghost of the mountains,” are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. They blend seamlessly into the rugged terrain of the Karakoram range, making sightings incredibly rare. These majestic animals inhabit high alpine regions across 12 countries, including Pakistan, India, China, and Mongolia.
Dr Zakir Hussain, Chief Conservator of Parks and Wildlife for Gilgit-Baltistan, called the sighting a win for conservation efforts, noting that 80% of the local community is now involved in snow leopard protection programs. The WWF Pakistan echoed this optimism but warned that snow leopards still face threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
Efforts to safeguard these big cats must continue, ensuring future generations can witness their magnificence in the wild.
