A young snow leopard, found far from its natural habitat in Urlabari, Nepal, has sparked interest in wildlife behavior and conservation efforts.
The male snow leopard, estimated to be between 1.5 and 2 years old, was discovered on January 23 at an elevation of just 146 meters (480 feet), a stark contrast to its typical habitat above 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). Initially feared to be a victim of illegal wildlife trade, a recent study suggests the animal may have simply gotten lost while searching for new territory.
Researchers analyzed the snow leopard's droppings and found hair from naur (blue sheep), indicating it had recently fed on its natural prey. This points to a natural dispersal process, where young animals leave their natal range to establish their own territory. In Nepal, snow leopards typically inhabit the high Himalayas, while leopards and tigers dominate lower elevations.
While climate change was considered a factor, researchers believe the snow leopard's presence in Urlabari was a result of its natural exploration. The study highlights the need for better understanding of snow leopard movements, especially as they may increasingly encounter human populations.
In light of this incident, Nepal's government has launched a new conservation action plan for snow leopards, shifting focus from research to conflict resolution and community engagement. Snow leopards are known for their predation on livestock, leading to tensions with local communities. The plan aims to address these issues while protecting the species.
Currently, the snow leopard resides in a temperature-controlled quarantine at Central Zoo in Kathmandu, as experts assess its future and potential for reintroduction into the wild.