Our team monitored long-term indicators from four conservation interventions in China, Kyrgyzstan, India, Mongolia and Pakistan. These four interventions were collaboratively designed and implemented with communities to meet their specific needs. Each bespoke conservation program aimed to promote coexistence between people and snow leopards by mitigating potential conflict and enhancing livelihoods. The specific interventions that were evaluated include:
- Predator-resistant corrals
- Livestock insurance
- Livestock vaccination
- Handicraft programs
Two questionnaires were developed for this study, translated into local languages and distributed to communities participating in at least one of the above interventions. The responses were compared to those from communities not participating in any of the above interventions. Households surveyed had similar demographic and economic characteristics, and gender balance was a goal of the survey.
Across both surveys, respondents involved in at least one conservation intervention reported significantly lower retaliatory intentions towards snow leopards than those not involved in any intervention. Respondents involved in two or more interventions also reported lower intentions. However, the sample size of respondents involved in two or more programs was too small to generate statistically significant results.
We also analyzed each conservation intervention and found them to be effective within their specific scope: reducing losses of livestock to predators, reducing livestock mortality from disease and providing women with an additional source of income. We also found a majority of the respondents believed that community cooperation and economic security had increased because of participation in the conservation interventions.
- Predator-Resistant Corrals: 107 predator-resistant corrals were implemented before the survey began. We interviewed representatives from 139 households in India, Pakistan and Mongolia, some with predator-resistant corrals and some with traditional corrals. In traditional corrals, 248 small-bodied livestock and 36 large-bodied livestock were lost to predators during the study period. Those with reinforced corrals recorded zero losses of small or large-bodied livestock.
- Livestock Insurance: Sixty-six communities involving approximately 1400 households engaged in livestock insurance programs in Mongolia, Pakistan, India, and China. We interviewed representatives of 61 households. 80% of participants reported greater financial stability, and 67% noted increased community cooperation due to the insurance program.
- Livestock Vaccination: In Pakistan, over 20,000 households participated in a “snow leopard friendly” vaccination program. 96% reported it was effective in keeping their livestock healthy, and participants reported losing fewer large-bodied animals to disease than non-participants. 61% of respondents reported increased cooperation within the community due to the program.
- Conservation-Linked Handicrafts: 473 households across India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Mongolia earned additional income through handicraft production. The program generated up to $47,214 annually, with additional conservation compliance bonuses of around $10,000 distributed to participants. 84% of participants agreed that household income had increased as a result of the program; 85% reported that they felt more confident since joining the program; and 74% felt that the program had led to increased cooperation within the community.
These initial findings are promising and show that the overarching goal of coexisting with snow leopards is possible. However, conservation is an ongoing challenge, especially with threats like climate change on the horizon. The key to future success lies in continuing to build resilience through respectful, locally-led and long-term partnerships with communities. This research provides valuable evidence that when conservation programs engage with and benefit Indigenous and local communities, they can create lasting positive change for both people and wildlife.
These conservation programs have protected snow leopards and enhanced livelihoods for decades. This would not be possible without the generosity of supporters like you. Consider lending your support during this giving season with a donation to help bring these conservation interventions to even more communities in snow leopard habitat.
Read the full paper here.
Photos: NCF-India, SLT, Munmun Dhalaria
We are grateful to all the staff who participated in the data collection and to all our partner communities for their engagement. We thank the Darwin Initiative (grant 22–044), the Whitley Fund for Nature, and Acacia Conservation Fund for supporting this work. We also thank Natwest Foundation India, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited, and Conservation Leadership Program for their support.