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Snow Leopard Roars Back in Afghanistan
3 Aug
Summary
- Rare snow leopard footage emerged from Afghanistan's Wakhan National Park.
- Conservation efforts have increased the local snow leopard population.
- Ecotourism potential is high despite ongoing war in the region.
Rare footage of snow leopards has surfaced from Afghanistan's northeastern Wakhan National Park, indicating a significant recovery for the species. An estimated population exceeding one hundred now roams the park, a testament to a seven-year conservation initiative by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Efforts to protect livestock from wild animals have successfully reduced predation incidents over the past three years. Despite a nationwide hunting ban implemented in 2002, illegal hunting persists due to poverty and other factors, according to environmental agency officials.
Scientists are actively monitoring the snow leopard population using cameras and GPS-collared animals. The declaration of Wakhan as a national park two years ago has involved public outreach to gain local support, aiming to dispel fears about land loss.
This initiative also aims to develop ecotourism, leveraging the snow leopard as a star attraction to boost the economy of the isolated Wakhan region. The United Nations Development Program plans to invest $3 million over the next two years to further support these conservation and development goals.
