Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program Pakistan

Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program Pakistan Day 1, Tuesday, Plenary Session 1

Introduction • A GPS collar was fitted on a snow leopard in Chitral Gol National Park, Pakistan, in November 2006 as part of a study on home-range size, habitat use, and movements • During the 14 -months, the snow leopard, traversed a 1, 563 km 2 area, splitting her time between Pakistan and Afghanistan • This new information underscores the critical need for international cooperation to protect snow leopards

Values of SL Ecosystem • The snow leopard is an iconic flagship species, its habitat available in Pakistan is about 80, 000 km 2 • The snow leopard ecosystem is vital for the co -existence of both human and wildlife: – It is a hub of unique biodiversity; – It provides water, fuel wood, meat, wool, and wild fruits for about 9 million people – Generates several millions of dollars of revenue from various avenues

Status & Threats • About 200 -400 snow leopards in Pakistan, and considered critically endangered • Threats: – Habitat loss and degradation – Retaliatory killing of snow leopards – Weak institutional capacity – Lack of awareness – Climate change, potential

Ongoing SL Conservation Programs Misgar Reech CGNP Laspur Phandar KNP Qurambar CKNP 5

Ongoing Research: Understanding SL Distribution 6

Ongoing Research: Camera Trapping 7

National Goals • The promotion of a landscape-level approach to snow leopard conservation • The initiation of participatory conservation to enhance tolerance and build support for snow leopards • The enhancement of scientific knowledge on snow leopards, prey species, and habitat • The expansion and improvement of the management of the PA network in Pakistan • Institutional strengthening and capacity building • Trans-boundary cooperation

Key Actions q Identify priority landscapes and implement community-based conservation programmes to enhance snow leopard acceptance while improving the livelihood conditions of local communities; q Implement scientific research to assess snow leopard population and other aspects of its ecology, using robust and modern techniques such as molecular tools and camera trapping for individual identification; q Initiating education, awareness and training programmes to build the capacity of the stakeholders, Government line departments.