Rare Sighting: Family of Snow Leopards Spotted in Pakistan, Boosting Conservation Efforts

A rare sighting of four snow leopards, a mother and her three cubs, has been captured on camera in northern Pakistan's Central Karakoram National Park. The footage, filmed by Sakhawat Ali, a local gamekeeper, is being hailed as a victory for conservation efforts in the region. Snow leopards, known as the "ghosts of the mountains," are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, and sightings are extremely rare due to their elusive nature and high-altitude habitat. The WWF-Pakistan emphasizes the importance of community involvement in protecting these endangered big cats. However, the UN Environment Programme notes that snow leopards still face threats from habitat degradation, poaching, infrastructure projects, and climate change.