In one of India’s coldest and most remote regions, a group of women have taken on an unlikely role: protecting one of Asia's most elusive predators, the snow leopard.
Snow leopards, found in just 12 countries across Central and South Asia, have a substantial population in India. A nationwide survey estimated over 700 snow leopards, highlighting their significance in maintaining the region’s fragile ecosystem.
These women, called ‘Shenmo,’ work with the local forest department and conservationists to track and protect these magnificent creatures. Their work is vital in shifting community perceptions of snow leopards, which were once seen as threats due to livestock attacks.
Thanks to the efforts of these women, local attitudes toward snow leopards are changing as people recognize their importance in the ecosystem. They are trained to set up camera traps and monitor leopard activity, contributing significantly to a major snow leopard survey that found a rise in their numbers.
The women earn between 500 to 700 rupees daily while learning new skills in wildlife monitoring and computer analysis. Beyond financial benefits, their work instills pride and a sense of purpose, building stronger connections with their environment.
As climate change impacts the delicate Himalayan landscape, community-driven conservation like this is essential for the future of wildlife in the region.
