GILGIT, Pakistan: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based trail cameras in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) are revolutionizing the approach to human-wildlife conflict, particularly regarding Snow leopards.
This initiative, highlighted by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) on International Snow Leopard Day, aims to significantly reduce attacks on livestock, which have historically led to the retaliation against these endangered animals.
By developing and installing five AI-powered camera traps, WWF-Pakistan has created a system that detects the presence of Snow leopards and alerts local communities, thereby allowing them to protect their livestock proactively.
This technology not only mitigates livestock losses but also helps in conserving the Snow leopard population, fostering a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, emphasized the importance of this initiative in alleviating economic losses for herders while protecting these majestic predators.
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Additionally, a report by WWF-Pakistan underlines the threats posed by infrastructure development in the region, which fragments habitats and endangers both Snow leopards and their prey. As fewer than 7,000 Snow leopards exist globally, with a small population in northern Pakistan, innovative conservation strategies like the use of AI cameras are crucial for their survival. Through these efforts, WWF-Pakistan aims to create a future where both Snow leopards and local communities can thrive together.
