Second snow leopard GPS-collared, released

world environment day

KATHMANDU, June 6: In a bid to study the movement of endangered snow leopards found sparsely in the mountains of Nepal, a team of wildlife experts and conservationists has successfully placed GPS collar on a male snow leopard in Kunchanjunga Conservation Area (KCA). Globally, this unique species number around 4,000 and around 400 are in Nepal.

Nearly after a month of tracking and trapping the animal, the GPS-satellite collared leopard was released into the wild on May 21. This animal has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

This is the second snow leopard tagged for study purpose after the preliminary success in November 23, 2013. Data received from the satellite collar will enable conservationist to identify critical habitats for the elusive species, including transboundary links across India and China.

"Nepal is proud to be at the forefront of global scientific efforts to get a better understanding of one of the nature's most unique species," said Tika Ram Adhikari, director general of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).

"Our ability to repeat the success we had with the first collaring in 2013 during this most difficult period of the country is a testament to the commitment toward conservation of the government as well as the people of Nepal," he added.

As per the press release of National Trust for Nature and Conservation (NTNC), the leopard has been released 650 meters to the north of Yangma village in Gola VDC-9 in Taplejung. The collared snow leopard is an adult male approximately five years of age weighing 41 kg and was captured in KJA.

According to Anil Shrestha, conservation officer at World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), this yet another success in collaring another snow leopard is a huge leap in the study of this unique animal.

"Monitoring the movement of snow leopards will definitely yield substantial information about the trans-boundary movement and habitats of these animals," said Shrestha.

As per the population survey of 2009, the number of snow leopards in Nepal ranges between 350-500.

"These graceful animals are shy in nature. So far as I know, they have never attacked any human being," said Shrestha

The overall task of catching and collaring the snow leopard was conducted by a 16-member team compised of experts from WWF, NTNC, Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP), Snow Leopard Conservation Committee and locals from the area.

On the occasion of the World Environment Day on Friday, the report was publicised at Central Zoo, Jawalakhel.