A rare snow leopard has been sighted in the remote Lot Koh Valley of Chitral, marking a significant wildlife event in the region.
The elusive big cat appeared near Munoor village on Thursday, creating both excitement and concern among residents.
Three villagers witnessed the snow leopard at close range. Two men returning from the mosque and a woman in her lawn spotted the magnificent predator as it moved through the area. Such sightings are extremely uncommon, as snow leopards are known for being secretive and avoiding human contact.
Shah Abdur Rahim, chairman of the village council, reported that the snow leopard later entered a livestock corral where it killed a goat.
Interestingly, the animal left part of the carcass uneaten before heading toward the highland areas, likely returning to its natural mountain habitat.
Following the reports, Farooq Nabi, the divisional forest officer of Chitral’s wildlife division, quickly responded by visiting the location with his team. They are now monitoring the snow leopard’s movements to ensure both the animal’s safety and the protection of local livestock.
Nabi emphasized that such sightings are exceptionally rare in the region. Snow leopards have nearly disappeared from their traditional habitat in the Hindukush mountain range due to various threats, including habitat loss and declining prey populations.
Earlier this year, the presence of snow leopards in Chitral was only confirmed through camera trap footage in the Gahiret-Golen conservancy.
This recent physical sighting offers hope that these endangered animals may still survive in the remote highlands of Chitral, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts in the region.
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