GILGIT, Oct 29: The authorities at the wildlife department find it difficult to look after a young snow leopard which is in their custody for the past couple of months, a forest official said on Friday.

The cub, now nearly five months old, is the only survivor of a three-member family that perished in an attack by a shepherd after he saw his cattle becoming victims of the untamed snow leopards a couple of months back in Nalter, a remote valley lying about 45 km north east of Gilgit.

“We are in need of money for the sustenance of the cub” said Mohammad Ayub, the divisional forest officer (DFO), adding that they lacked funds for the nourishment of the young leopard.

Mr Ayub said the cub was now healthy and has gained at least 10 kg weight in a couple of months because of proper care of the department. Recalling the environment minister’s recent visit to the area, Mr Ayub remarked that they had submitted a proposal to the ministry of environment for the release of at least Rs1 million for the complete care of the cub but, he said, they were still waiting to hear from them (Ministry).

“The proposal included an enclosure to keep the leopard in it, two care taker staff, and visits of specialist doctors etc”. He expressed hope that the minister for environment, who also spent some time with the cub in Khunjerab area during his visit, will take personal interest to release the funds to his department soon.

Ayub said currently they were collecting money from IUCN and WWF to meet the daily expenditures incurred on the cub which is kept in the Khunjerab village organization, an area 100 km from here.