Authorities reported the discovery of a snow leopard found dead on Monday afternoon in the high-altitude pastures of Wakht village, located in the Garam Chashma valley. The rare and protected animal had reportedly returned to the region after being absent for more than ten years, making the incident particularly concerning for conservationists and wildlife officials.
According to officials from the Wildlife Department, the information about the carcass was received from local residents, prompting an immediate response. Deputy Ranger Shafiq Ahmed, along with Jamigh Sherazi, Regional Program Manager of the Snow Leopard Foundation, arrived at the location shortly after the report. Upon examination, they found the body frozen, suggesting that the snow leopard had died several hours before it was discovered.
The carcass was carefully transported to a veterinary hospital, where wildlife and veterinary experts are expected to conduct a detailed postmortem examination. Authorities stated that the results of the examination will determine the exact cause of death and help establish whether the incident was due to natural factors or other reasons.
Over the past two months, sightings of the snow leopard had been reported in surrounding villages, including Wakht, Munoor, and Beghusht. Local herders had expressed concern after the animal allegedly attacked goats, leading to growing tension between wildlife and the community. Officials believe that heavy snowfall in upper mountainous areas may have forced the leopard to move to lower elevations in search of food, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.
An environmental expert, who chose to remain anonymous, raised doubts about the possibility of a natural death and urged authorities to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation. Wildlife officials have assured the public that the postmortem findings will provide clarity and that appropriate action will be taken based on the results, emphasizing the importance of protecting the endangered snow leopard and maintaining ecological balance.
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