The Impact of Agricultural Practices on the Snow Leopard Population in Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines how agricultural practices influence the declining population of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Pakistan. Using both secondary data and primary insights from an Environmental Value System (EVS) survey, the paper explores how habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflicts contribute to the species’ decline. In regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, farming and livestock rearing have pushed snow leopards closer to human settlements, leading to more livestock predation and retaliatory killings. The analysis also highlights socio-economic factors, emphasizing that local dependence on livestock and limited government intervention exacerbate conservation challenges. Findings show that 62.5% of respondents hold a technocentric outlook, recognizing technology as a means to balance agricultural productivity with conservation. Community-based insurance schemes and AI-based detection systems show promise but lack large-scale implementation and government support. The study concludes that protecting snow leopards in Pakistan requires cooperation between communities, conservationists, and policymakers. Addressing socio-economic realities alongside ecological needs is crucial to preserving both local livelihoods and Pakistan’s snow leopard population.