A significant population of 120 rare snow leopards has been discovered in the Himalayan district of Dolpa. The Division Forest Office Dolpa announced following Wildlife Week, revealing 90 of these leopards reside within Shey-Phoksundo National Park and 30 within community forests in Dolpo Buddha and Charkatangsong areas.
This finding marks a substantial increase from the previously estimated 90 leopards within the park, as reported by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in February 2024. The comprehensive census was made possible by a 2019 camera installation project and generous funding from the World Wildlife Fund.
Chandra Jung Hamal, research field program officer of World Wildlife Fund, notes the park’s abundant prey population for snow leopards and the region’s ideal habitat at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,500 meters. Established in 1983, Shey-Phoksundo National Park has long been recognized as a prime snow leopard territory.
