Park ranger captures stunning footage of four snow leopards

ISLAMABAD: A video showing four endangered snow leopards has gone viral on Pakistan’s social media in recent days. 

According to information obtained by the BBC Urdu, the video was filmed in the Central Karakoram National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan. The footage was captured by Sakhawat Ali, a game watcher at the park, who recorded the video from approximately 250 metres away. 

Ali shared that he had been trying to capture such footage for a long time. 

Having served in the Central Karakoram National Park for the past seven to eight years, Ali is also an amateur wildlife photographer. 

“In winter, snow leopards usually descend from the mountains. This period typically lasts two to two and a half months. When the snowfall recedes and the weather changes, they return to higher altitudes,” he explained. 

“They are usually spotted when they come closer to human settlements. I see them every year,” he added. 

Ali stated that he had been tracking the footprints of these snow leopards for some time. “I would see their tracks in different locations, confirming their presence in the area, but I hadn’t been able to spot them. I was constantly searching.” 

Before capturing the viral footage, Ali initially spotted the leopards from a distance of 1,000 meters. “I realized there were not one or two, but four of them. I tried to film them from that distance, but they disappeared too quickly. After that, I resumed tracking their footprints.” 

“On March 13, I was determined to spot them this season and, if possible, record a video. Suddenly, I came across fresh paw prints in the snow. Cautiously, I started following them.” 

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“As I tracked the prints, I finally saw them. I got as close as 250 meters—it was the same four leopards I had previously seen from 1,000 meters away. I recorded the video from that distance and continued filming until they disappeared from view,” he recounted. 

‘They Are a Family’ 

Ali stated that he felt no fear approaching the leopards. “Whether it’s a snow leopard or any other wild animal, they don’t attack humans — or any creature — without reason. 

“They only hunt when they are hungry and do not attack unless they feel threatened, especially when protecting their young.” 

Describing the experience, he said, “While I was filming, I remained silent, and they continued on their journey, undisturbed in their own world.” 

Seeing four snow leopards together is not unusual, he added. “They usually stay with their mother until they are 13 or 14 months old, but their father is not part of the group.” 

“The snow leopards in this video are also a family—a mother with her three cubs. She will keep them with her for a few more months, teaching them how to hunt. Once they mature, they will establish their own territories.”

Range Forest Officer of Central Karakoram National Park, Gohar Ali Gohar, stated that the snow leopards were spotted near Hishe village, where they are frequently seen every year. 

He added, “Central Karakoram National Park has the highest population of snow leopards in Gilgit-Baltistan. Based on our recent estimates, their number in the park could range between 35 and 40.” 

Thanks to collaboration with local communities, the population of not only snow leopards but also other wildlife has increased. However, snow leopards still face certain threats. 

Threats to Snow Leopards 

Dismissing concerns of illegal hunting in the park, Gohar Ali Gohar explained that snow leopards descend from higher altitudes in search of food during December, January, and February. When they come down, they often target livestock belonging to local communities. 

“Last year, snow leopards killed 35 livestock animals. Such incidents create conflict between humans and leopards, posing a threat to their survival,” he noted. 

“To mitigate this conflict, there should be a policy to provide higher compensation to local communities.” 

Climate Change and Its Impact 

Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Conservator Khadim Abbas shared that recent surveys estimate the total number of snow leopards in the region to be between 150 and 220. 

“Snow leopards typically inhabit areas at altitudes of at least 15,000 to 16,000 feet. Even in summer, their habitat remains within snow-covered regions,” he explained. 

However, Abbas highlighted that climate patterns have been changing in recent years. “Rain and snowfall are no longer occurring at their usual times. This year, snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan happened in late February and early March, whereas it usually occurs in December, January, and February.” 

March and April are also the breeding season for snow leopards, he noted. “The survival patterns of wildlife, including snow leopards, have developed over centuries and are deeply ingrained. Any disruptions due to changing climate conditions can make their survival more challenging.” 

He warned that reduced snowfall or delayed snow accumulation negatively impacts snow leopards, and March snowfall could directly affect their breeding season.