Snow leopard kills 8 himalayan goats

KATHMANDU: A snow leopard attacked two goat sheds in Dharkajung village, Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality–5, killing eight chyangra (mountain goats) and causing significant financial losses to local farmers.

According to Ward Chairperson Surendra Gurung, the attack occurred around midnight when the snow leopard entered the enclosures made of stone and mud, killing livestock kept inside.

The affected farmers, Ngatar Gurung and Pemba Gurung, reported a combined loss of over Rs 285,000.

Ngatar Gurung lost five chyangras, including four male goats and one female breeder, out of a total of 50, amounting to an estimated loss of Rs 220,000.

Similarly, Pemba Gurung lost three chyangras and reported another young goat injured, with damages exceeding Rs 65,000.

“The snow leopard climbed onto the roof of the shed and entered, attacking the goats during the night,” said Pemba Gurung. The total number of goats in his shed was 52.

Following the attack, officials from the rural municipality, representatives of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Jomsom, and a police team from Kagbeni visited the site.

Under the supervision of local authorities and stakeholders, a damage assessment report was prepared, according to District Police Office spokesperson, Inspector Bishal Adhikari.

Dr. Madhu K.C., a snow leopard expert and program manager at ACAP, also inspected the site.

He emphasized the urgent need for adaptive measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, citing food scarcity in higher elevations as a primary reason for such incidents.

He recommended improving goat shelters and increasing prey availability in alpine and forest areas to reduce risks.

Rural Municipality Chairperson Rinzing Namgyal Gurung expressed concern over the growing conflict between humans and snow leopards in Mustang.

He attributed the issue to climate change, noting that reduced water sources and declining grass in highland pastures have driven blue sheep (naur)—the natural prey of snow leopards—closer to human settlements, prompting predators to follow.

Chairperson Gurung urged responsible authorities to introduce grant-supported infrastructure development programs to help farmers protect their livestock.