Posted on December, 31 2025
This year marked several defining moments for Nepal’s conservation story. The release of Nepal’s first national snow leopard population estimate was a historic achievement, accomplished through collaborative efforts of organizations, communities and researchers under leadership of the government. It confirmed the country as a global stronghold for this elusive species, with an estimated 397 individuals.
Innovation remained at the heart of our work. For the first time, drones were deployed to monitor prey and habitats in Shey Phoksundo National Park, enhancing our ability to collect data and assess ecosystem health.
Nepal also recorded major biodiversity breakthroughs, from the rediscovery of the Asian small-clawed otter after 185 years and the return of river dolphins to the Khageri River, to the first-ever records of the Tibetan woolly flying squirrel and photographic evidence of wild yak. Each discovery reaffirms the resilience of nature and the tangible impact of sustained conservation efforts.
This year also saw significant progress in fostering human-wildlife coexistence. By harnessing technology and community innovation, we strengthened prevention and response systems across landscapes. Innovative deterrents such as “light fences” and olfactory trials for big cats showed promising results, while over 18 km of
mesh fencing now safeguards thousands of households. In mountain regions, the Livelihood Insurance Scheme continued to provide relief and livelihood support to conflict-affected families, complemented by predator-proof corrals, wildlife rescue training, and behavior change initiatives that promote coexistence and resilience.
In our pursuit of greater inclusivity, WWF Nepal also developed the Inclusive Conservation Mainstreaming Framework, which will guide our future initiatives to ensure that conservation aligns with the needs and aspirations of local communities. Finally, the launch of the National Snow Leopard Conservation Plan (2024-
2030) stands as a defining milestone - a comprehensive roadmap that unites partners across sectors to secure the future of this iconic species.
Together with our partners, donors, and the communities we serve, we will continue to build on the successes of this year and strive toward even greater impact by supporting the government of Nepal in the years to come.
