CHITRAL: The International Snow Leopard Day was marked in Upper Chitral district on Monday with a renewed pledge by the residents to conserve the iconic wild cat and its habitat.

The main function was jointly held by the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) and wildlife department at the Government High School, Sor Laspur, with speakers highlighting both the social and ecological significance of the wild cat.

They said snow leopards had a momentous correlation with the local people and their culture.

The speakers emphasised the inclusion of wildlife conservation in syllabus to educate children on the significance of wild animals and their habitat for their conservation.

They appreciated women’s inclusion in the conservation process and said as mothers, women inspired their children to love the environment and wildlife, especially snow leopards.

Snow Leopard Conservation Organisation of Laspur valley president Shah Khan Qureshi chaired the event and hailed the cooperation of community members in the conservation of the wild cat and its habitat with honesty and earnestness. The schoolchildren delivered speeches, sang songs and displayed paintings on snow leopard and Laspur valley as its major habitat.

SLF regional project manager Jamiullah Khan Sherazi, who was the chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the efforts of his organisation for the conservation of the wild cat and the community’s participation in them.

He appreciated the residents of Laspur valley in general and those of Sor Laspur in particular for following the SLF’s guidelines for the conservation of the snow leopard.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2023