The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in Nepal has initiated its first ever snow leopard counting process. A total of 56 cameras will be installed, and 10 counters will take photos and videos continuously for 45 days. Snow leopard fecal samples will be collected for laboratory testing, and footprint surveys will also be conducted. (1 Baisakh, Baglung)
Although snow leopards have been known to inhabit the high Himalayan areas of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, a systematic count had never been carried out until now. Preparation is underway to train the counters for this task, according to reserve ranger Sagar Subedi. This counting effort will actively involve reserve staff, trained counters, and the local community.
Fifty-six cameras will be installed across various hunting blocks in the high mountainous regions. As Subedi explained, “For the first time, we are working to determine the status of snow leopards. Approximately 10 counters will continuously operate cameras for 45 days to capture photographs and videos.” The reserve covers an area of about 1,325 square kilometers, with its headquarters in Baglung, but also extending into Myagdi and Rukum districts.
According to ranger Subedi, cameras will be placed at potential snow leopard paths, rocks, ravines, and passes to capture images. In the 2079 BS (2022-2023) count, approximately 1,290 Naurs and 744 Jharals were recorded within the reserve.
