Highways, transmission lines, infrastructure networks increasingly bring snow leopards close to human settlements
The construction of new roads, highways, transmission lines and infrastructure networks is bringing humans and Pakistan’s iconic snow leopards dangerously close, the World Wide Fund for Nature warned on the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day.
In a statement, WWF-Pakistan highlighted that development projects are narrowing the gap between the two, creating new challenges for the survival of the endangered species.
The proliferation of highways, power transmission lines and infrastructure networks is increasingly pushing snow leopards towards human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict and threatening their long-term survival.
According to WWF-Pakistan, the country’s first ever road ecology study has revealed that road infrastructure is fragmenting the snow leopard’s natural habitats.
Construction activities and road widening disrupt their movement patterns, while heavy traffic along the Karakoram Highway has caused noise and air pollution that can affect wildlife breeding and migration, particularly in Khunjerab National Park.
The study also noted that road expansion is also affecting populations of other mountain species, such as ibex and blue sheep.
As we approach World Snow Leopard Day, meet the ghost of the mountains in this tale from our series #WildLegendsofPakistan.
In the folklore of mountain communities, the snow leopard is believed to be a spiritual guardian, a protector of sacred highlands and a symbol of strength,… pic.twitter.com/NUmnWLdmtU
— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) 21 October 2025
WWF-Pakistan, which has been working on snow leopard conservation since the 1990s, has deployed AI-powered cameras at key hotspots to monitor wildlife activity.
These smart cameras provide real-time data that can also be used to protect livestock and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The system, introduced at the beginning of 2025, has shown high accuracy in the detection of species – and offers a promising tool for their coexistence.
In addition, WWF-Pakistan has introduced a technology called SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) in collaboration with the wildlife departments of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
This software supports standardized patrol protocols, real-time data collection and monitoring of snow leopard movements, poaching, disease outbreaks and other threats.
WWF-Pakistan’s Senior Director of Programs, Rab Nawaz, emphasized that while roads play a vital role in community connectivity and regional development, they can also pose serious risks to mountain wildlife if not managed responsibly.
“Through smart technology, we are assessing the population status of snow leopards. The integration of artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring will be crucial in transforming potential human-wildlife conflicts into opportunities for coexistence,” he said.
He emphasized the urgent need to ensure that human development does not come at the expense of the survival of this rare and magnificent species.
