In brief
In the cold and remote Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, a group of women have taken the initiative to protect the endangered snow leopard. Known as 'Shenmo', these local women work alongside the forest department and conservationists to monitor and conserve the species, showcasing their significant role in wildlife conservation. Their efforts not only enhance local understanding of this elusive predator but also empower the women to embrace new skills and the importance of ecological balance.
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 are found in just 12 countries across Central and South Asia. India is home to one of the world's largest populations, with a nationwide survey in 2023 estimating more than 700 animals. One of the places they roam is around Kibber village in Himachal Pradesh state's Spiti Valley, where snow leopards are often called the 'ghosts of the mountains'.
For generations, these animals were seen largely as a threat to livestock. However, attitudes in Kibber and neighboring villages are beginning to shift, as locals recognize the snow leopard's vital role in the ecosystem.
Nearly a dozen local women, known as 'Shenmo', are now working with the Himachal Pradesh forest department to track and protect these majestic creatures. Trained to set up camera traps, they play a critical role in gathering data for conservation efforts.
Earlier, men used to install the cameras and we kept wondering why couldn't we do it too, says Lobzang Yangchen, a local coordinator with the non-profit Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The women, initially curious rather than motivated by conservation, now earn an income while contributing to the health of their environment. Their efforts have increased local awareness about the snow leopard and helped shift perceptions within the community.
As climate change threatens fragile ecosystems, community involvement, as seen in Spiti Valley, is vital for the sustainability of conservation efforts. With their knowledge and connection to the land, these women stand as empowered guardians of both their homes and the snow leopards that roam their mountains.
