SNOW LEOPARD STATUS IN BHUTAN

The National Snow Leopard Survey 2022-2023 estimated a population of 134 snow leopards in Bhutan, representing a 39.5% increase from the 2016 baseline of 96 individuals. Using camera traps across 310 stations and non-invasive genetic analysis of scat, the study found higher population densities and habitat suitability in western Bhutan. The report reaffirms Bhutan as a conservation stronghold, noting the presence of breeding individuals and abundant prey, specifically blue sheep, while recommending strengthened patrolling, livestock insurance schemes, and periodic national surveys to maintain population viability.

• The Bayesian Spatially Explicit Capture Recapture (SECR) model estimated the snow leopard population in Bhutan at 134 individuals (95% CI: 121 to 148), which is a 39.5% increase from the 2016 baseline of 96 individuals.
• The mean density of snow leopards was estimated at 1.34 individuals per 100 km2 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.48), with higher densities and more suitable habitats predicted in western Bhutan compared to central and eastern regions.
• Camera trap data identified 96 adult individuals (45 male, 51 female) and 10 cubs, with the highest number of individuals captured in Jigme Dorji National Park (53).
• Non-invasive genetic analysis of 184 carnivore fecal samples resulted in 71 positive detections for snow leopards, with 31 successfully genotyped to identify 22 unique individuals.
• The survey recorded a high abundance of blue sheep, the primary prey of the snow leopard, across 185 camera stations, which supports the viability of the carnivore population.
• The survey documented habitat overlap between snow leopards and other large carnivores, including tigers and common leopards, with some camera stations capturing both species.
• The survey provided the first record of Thorold's deer (Cervus albirostris) in Bhutan, captured at a station in DFO Paro.
• Human-snow leopard conflict persists due to livestock predation, particularly yak calves, with higher reported incidences in JKSNR, DFO Paro, and JDNP.
• To ensure long-term survival, the report recommends establishing livestock insurance schemes, providing coral fencing to yak herders, and introducing community-based wildlife tourism in high-density areas.

APA

Letro, Dhendup, T., Dendup, P., Penjor, U., Tandin, & Wangdi, S. (2023). SNOW LEOPARD STATUS IN BHUTAN. WWF International. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/737/7r1onvdokp_NSLS_Report_B5.pdf

Chicago

Letro, Tashi Dhendup, Pema Dendup, Ugyen Penjor, Tandin, and Sonam Wangdi. SNOW LEOPARD STATUS IN BHUTAN. WWF International, 2023. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/737/7r1onvdokp_NSLS_Report_B5.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Letro |last2=Dhendup |first2=Tashi |last3=Dendup |first3=Pema |last4=Penjor |first4=Ugyen |last5=Tandin |last6=Wangdi |first6=Sonam |title=SNOW LEOPARD STATUS IN BHUTAN |publisher=WWF International |date=2023 |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/737/7r1onvdokp_NSLS_Report_B5.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{letro2023snow, author = {Letro and Dhendup, Tashi and Dendup, Pema and Penjor, Ugyen and Tandin and Wangdi, Sonam}, title = {{SNOW LEOPARD STATUS IN BHUTAN}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2023}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/737/7r1onvdokp_NSLS_Report_B5.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }