Empowering Guardians: Women of Himalayas Protecting Snow Leopards

Fri Feb 06 2026 10:04:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley, local women are taking the lead in snow leopard conservation, breaking traditional gender roles and becoming pivotal in protecting this elusive species.

A group of women in the cold, remote regions of Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley have embraced the role of snow leopard protectors, contributing significantly to the conservation of this elusive predator. As attitudes towards snow leopards shift, these women, organized under the group 'Shenmo', are utilizing technology and collaboration with local forest departments to track and study the population of snow leopards in their region. Their initiative not only aids in conservation efforts but also empowers them economically and socially, enhancing community perspectives on wildlife.

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, often called the ghosts of the mountains, slipping silently across rocky slopes.

For generations, the animals were seen as a threat due to livestock predation. However, local attitudes are changing as people recognize the snow leopard's critical role in the ecosystem.

Nearly a dozen local women are now working with the Himachal Pradesh forest department to track and protect these magnificent creatures. Known as 'Shenmo,' these trained women monitor camera traps and collect vital data on snow leopard activity.

As one local coordinator, Lobzang Yangchen, notes, the previously male-dominated role of installing cameras is now being embraced by women.

Their efforts contribute significantly to the first comprehensive snow leopard population study in Himachal Pradesh, which reported a rise from 51 to 83 leopards.

These women wake up early, journey through harsh weather, and trek to high altitudes to set up camera traps and collect data, often resulting in them identifying unique leopards by their fur patterns.

The initiative not only provides a stipend of 500 to 700 Indian rupees ($5.46; £4) a day, but more importantly, it transforms community perceptions of snow leopards from foes to vital components of the local ecosystem.

Together, these women advocate for livestock insurance and promote predator-proof enclosures, enhancing community resilience against wildlife conflicts.

Amid climate change challenges, the participation of local communities is viewed as essential to the continued survival of species like the snow leopard.

Through their significant work, these women are not just assistants but emerging practitioners of wildlife conservation, forging a deeper connection with the land and its wildlife.