Mustang, December 12
Sixteen sheep and three mountain goats were killed in a snow leopard attack near the Temperate Horticulture Development Centre at Gharpajong-2, Marfa, last night. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project Jomsom has reported that a snow leopard entered the sheep pen of Santosh Pariyar, a local, and killed the sheep.
There were 45 sheep on his farm. 19 sheep, among them were killed in the attack by the leopard, informed Rajesh Gupta, head of the ACAP Jomsom office. The preliminary estimate indicates a loss amounting to Rs 600,000.
He shared that representatives from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Jomsom, and a team from the District Police Office are heading to the incident site. As reported, conflicts between humans and snow leopards have become increasingly visible in the area lately.
During winter, snow leopards search for prey species and come closer to human settlements due to the lack of grass in grazing areas. Snow leopards, following their prey, also approach settlements and cause damage to local herders’ livestock.
In recent times, establishing coexistence between humans and snow leopards has become tricky due to climate change. Citing these reasons, some farmers have started abandoning the livestock rearing business in the district.
