Livestock Predation by Snow Leopards: Conflicts and the Search for Solutions

Retaliatory killing of snow leopards in response to predation on livestock is a significant factor in their endangerment, and a livelihood challenge for local communities. We review the ecological and anthropogenic causes of livestock predation. We show that this conservation conflict has multiple dimensions, including the reality of livestock damage and the perceptions and psyche of affected people. In this light, we discuss the current efforts to manage conflicts over livestock predation, and point out areas for improvement. We advocate a rejection of the term "human-snow leopard conflict" and its variants. We suggest that this conservation conflict is best viewed as a shared problem that must be addressed through a multipronged approach based on information sharing and respectful dialogue with local communities.