Roads, transmission lines and infrastructure networks bring snow leopards closer 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 Wildlife Fund has warned on International Snow Leopard Day.
In a statement, WWF-Pakistan highlighted that development projects are reducing the distance between the two, creating new challenges for the survival of endangered species.
The expansion of roads, power transmission lines and infrastructure networks is increasingly pushing snow leopards into human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict and threatening their long-term survival.
According to WWF-Pakistan, the country’s first Road Ecology Study has revealed that road infrastructure is fragmenting the snow leopard’s natural habitats.
Construction activities and road widening are altering their movement patterns, while heavy traffic along the Karakoram Highway has caused noise and air pollution that could affect wildlife reproduction and migration, particularly within Khunjerab National Park.
The study also notes 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 story from our series #WildLegendsofPakistan.
In the folklore of mountain communities, the snow leopard is believed to be a guardian spirit, a protector of the sacred highlands and a symbol of strength,… pic.twitter.com/NUmnWLdmtU
— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) October 21, 2025
WWF-Pakistan, which has been working on snow leopard conservation since the 1990s, has deployed AI-powered cameras at key points 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 in early 2025, has demonstrated great accuracy in detecting species, offering a promising tool for their coexistence.
Additionally, 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, illegal hunting, disease outbreaks, and other threats.
WWF-Pakistan Senior Program Director Rab Nawaz emphasized that while roads play a crucial role in community connectivity and regional development, they can also pose serious risks to mountain wildlife if not designed responsibly.
“Through smart technology, we are assessing the status of the snow leopard population. The integration of artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring will be vital to transform potential human-wildlife conflicts into opportunities for coexistence,” he said.
He highlighted the urgent need to ensure that human development does not come at the cost of the survival of this rare and magnificent species.
