Author: Joshua Schlüter, NABU

In the remote Nar Phu Valley, located in the Annapurna Conservation Area, a conservation project is underway to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect the endangered Snow Leopard. This initiative, launched by the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Nepal (NTNC), combines community-based monitoring and accessible technology to address the challenges faced by both local herders and Snow Leopards. In this area, herders, concerned for their livelihoods, face economic losses from Snow Leopard depredation on livestock, often leading to retaliatory killings of this vulnerable CAMI species. The goal of the project is to foster peaceful coexistence by empowering local communities to take an active role in conservation efforts and to provide practical solutions to reduce the economic impact of livestock loss caused by Snow Leopards.

The project adopts an innovative approach, actively integrating the local communities into its research framework. A custom digital app enables residents to record Snow Leopard incidents involving livestock directly from their smartphones. Users can log attacks, document their losses, and report signs such as paw prints, food remains, fur, and scat. This collected data is scientifically analyzed to identify conflict hotspots, enabling the development of targeted conservation measures that benefit both people and wildlife.

In the Nar Phu Valley, seasonal and annual livestock migrations overlap with Snow Leopard habitats, increasing the likelihood of conflict. By mapping these high-risk areas using data from the app, herders can adjust their migratory routes and timing to minimize encounters with Snow Leopards, naturally mitigating conflict risks in the future, based on their own collected data.

The app also features depredation forms, providing locals with a straightforward way to claim compensation for livestock losses, making it easier for them to report incidents and receive timely support. This feature reduces the economic impact on livestock owners and fosters a sense of trust and cooperation in conservation efforts, as community members feel their concerns are recognized and addressed.

In the project’s initial phase, surveys assessed villagers' access to technology and their experience with Snow Leopards. Results showed that most participants owned mobile phones and regularly used the internet, suggesting a relatively high level of digital competence. This baseline enabled the project to move forward with its citizen science model, empowering villagers to actively participate in wildlife research and conflict mitigation and ultimately to improve their livelihoods.

By 2024, the project achieved significant milestones:

• Eight predator-proof corrals were constructed, reducing livestock losses and eliminating the need for herders to sleep outdoors for protection.
• Workshops trained residents on app usage, and awareness campaigns boosted community engagement.
• The app recorded over 300 Snow Leopard traces and facilitated more than 40 compensation claims through the Livestock Depredation Form.
• Snow Leopard Conservation Subcommittees were established in Nar and Phu to streamline compensation payments, ensuring a straightforward, accessible process.

Through this citizen science approach, local communities in Nar Phu Valley are empowered to actively contribute to conservation efforts while receiving support for livestock protection and compensation for losses. This collaborative model exemplifies a sustainable, community-driven strategy for managing human-wildlife conflict and conserving Snow Leopards in the Annapurna Conservation Area.