In the remote mountain valleys of the Gilgit-Baltistan region in northern Pakistan, a delicate coexistence has been unfolding for centuries between human communities and one of Asia’s most elusive and fascinating species: the snow leopard. This coexistence, built on a millennia-old balance, is now increasingly threatened by two converging phenomena: climate change and the growing pressure on high-altitude ecosystems. The inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan, largely pastoralists, depend on livestock for their livelihood. Yaks, goats, and sheep are not only sources of food, but also of income and cultural value.
With global warming and the shrinking of natural high-altitude habitats, the snow leopard’s natural prey is becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, leopards are forced to descend into the valleys, venturing closer to human settlements in search of food. This new proximity leads to an increase in attacks on domestic livestock, causing significant damage to local families. The loss of even a single animal can represent a difficult economic blow. This gives rise to a latent conflict: on one hand, the snow leopard is an endangered species, protected by law and a symbol of Asian biodiversity; on the other hand, the frustration of local communities can lead to retaliatory actions such as poaching. Adding to the complexity is the impact of climate change, which is profoundly altering natural cycles and worsening food insecurity for both people and animals. Seasons are becoming increasingly unpredictable, water resources are dwindling, and competition for living space is intensifying. To address this challenge, WWF Pakistan (World Wide Fund for Nature), are actively working in the region through concrete conservation initiatives and local community engagement. Among the measures adopted are the construction of protected enclosures for livestock and educational programs on biodiversity. Additionally, WWF promotes ecotourism focused on snow leopard observation, offering new sources of sustainable income. The future of this coexistence will depend on the ability to protect both human needs and the needs of mountain biodiversity. In this fragile balance between survival and conservation, the voices of local populations are central: only by listening to their concerns and including them in protection efforts will it be possible to build a lasting coexistence with the “ghost of the mountains.” This reportage, part of a larger project called Wildlife and Community Survival, is promoted by Witness Image, funded by the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation.(Text by Luca Catalano Gonzaga).