The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Wildlife Department has come under scrutiny after the body of an endangered snow leopard was recovered from the Lotkoh drain in Wahat, Garm Chashma, a suburban area of Chitral.
According to the details, the carcass of a snow leopard was found in a drain, triggering concern among local residents and conservationists. Upon receiving information about the incident, officials of the Wildlife Department launched an investigation.
Wildlife officials stated that the exact cause of the snow leopard’s death will be determined after a post-mortem examination. For this purpose, the body has been shifted to Lower Chitral, where experts from the relevant department will conduct a detailed assessment.
Officials added that further investigations are underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, local wildlife teams have increased surveillance and monitoring in the area to protect snow leopards and ensure the safety of other wildlife.
The incident is being termed a wake-up call for the conservation of the rare snow leopard species in Chitral, with experts stressing the need for immediate protective measures at both local and provincial levels to mitigate threats to wildlife and the natural environment.
