In a remote area of Upper Chitral, a snow leopard attack has resulted in the death, injury, or disappearance of over 50 livestock, inflicting severe 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 accessed 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 were injured, and four animals remain unaccounted for.
Wildlife experts noted that the attack pattern, characterized by multiple kills in one event and throat bites, aligns with snow leopard behavior under stress, commonly known as “surplus killing.” This phenomenon often occurs when predators kill more prey than they can immediately consume.
The local community, residing in a high-altitude, resource-limited environment, relies heavily on livestock for their livelihood and income. For many families, these animals represent their main form of savings and economic stability.
Officials have warned that such attacks may provoke retaliatory measures against the endangered snow leopard, potentially threatening ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Notably, this is not an isolated event. In 2019, a similar attack 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 the 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 reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing community-based conservation initiatives.
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, underscoring the need for balanced conservation and community welfare efforts.
