In a remote village of Upper Chitral, a snow leopard attack has resulted in the death, injury, or disappearance of over 50 livestock, inflicting considerable financial damage on local families. The incident occurred in Gobor Bakh village, located in the Lotkoh Valley near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, where the predator gained access to a livestock enclosure through a narrow opening during the night.
An evaluation carried out by a field team from the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF), in collaboration with the Wildlife Department, confirmed that 18 kids, 26 sheep, and 10 goats were killed. Additionally, six sheep sustained injuries, and four animals remain unaccounted for.
Wildlife experts noted that the attack pattern, which involved multiple kills in a single event and throat bites, aligns with typical snow leopard behaviour under stress, often described as “surplus killing.”
The local community, residing in a high-altitude area with limited resources, relies heavily on livestock for both income and survival. For many households, these animals represent their main form of savings and economic security.
Officials have warned that such incidents heighten the risk of retaliatory measures against the endangered snow leopard, potentially jeopardizing ongoing conservation initiatives in the region.
This is not an isolated event; a similar attack in 2019 in the same valley resulted in the loss of 22 livestock. Recent sightings of a snow leopard and its cub indicate that the species continues to inhabit this area.
In response, the Snow Leopard Foundation has pledged to support immediate vaccination campaigns for surviving livestock and collaborate with authorities to provide further assistance. The Wildlife Department has also reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing community-based conservation efforts.
SLF has called for urgent measures to mitigate future conflicts, including compensation for affected families, improved livestock protection strategies, and sustainable livelihood support for mountain communities.
Pakistan is estimated to host between 155 and 220 snow leopards, which share fragile habitats with some of the country’s most vulnerable rural populations.
