“Its natural death indicates that the species is still thriving in the Chitral valleys,” says the Chitral divisional forest officer.
Chitral snow leopard dies of natural causes. PHOTO: EXPRESS
PESHAWAR:
A rare snow leopard found dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral region is believed to have died of natural causes, officials said on Tuesday.
The carcass of the snow leopard was discovered a day ago in the mountainous region of Garam Chashma. According to the autopsy report, dated January 19, obtained by PK Press Club Express“The cause of death is determined to be severe untreated diarrhea and dehydration.”
He added that the body was extremely weak and emaciated at the time of examination. He noted that “no gunshot wounds were noted on any part of the body” and “no external injuries or superficial abrasions were detected.” He added that all internal organs were checked and “found normal.”
Read: International Snow Leopard Day: Renewed determination to protect Pakistan’s 155 endangered mountain cats
Chitral Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Farooq Nabi noted that snow leopards generally live between 10 and 13 years in the wild and the deceased animal was estimated to be “over 12 years old”, based on a dental examination.
“The appearance of a snow leopard after such a long time is encouraging,” Nabi said, adding that “its natural death indicates that the species is still thriving in the valleys of Chitral.”
Learn more: WWF warns that infrastructure development threatens the existence of snow leopards
Conservation efforts are underway in the area, with support from local communities, the provincial wildlife department and international organizations including the Snow Leopard Foundation.
Latif Rehman, spokesperson for the KP Wildlife Department, said local communities were trained every month to protect these endangered animals. “The fact that a snow leopard appeared after a long time demonstrates that conservation efforts are having a positive effect,” he added.
WWF-Pakistan posted on X that the recent death was a stark reminder of “how fragile this iconic species has become.” “Each loss brings it closer to extinction,” said the organization.
The recent death of a snow leopard in Chitral is a stark reminder of how fragile this iconic species has become. Each loss brings the snow leopard closer to extinction. Habitat loss, climate change and human-wildlife conflict continue to threaten its survival.
To resolve this issue,… pic.twitter.com/KU9qHVkPx9
– WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) January 20, 2026
It says that by using AI-based cameras, the organization tracks snow leopards, warns communities and helps prevent conflicts.
“Now communities, authorities and partners must act to protect this rare symbol of our mountains.”
