Post-mortem report shows rare snow leopard found dead in K-P's Chitral died of natural causes

'Its natural death indicates the species still thrives in Chitral valleys,' says Chitral divisional forest officer

PESHAWAR:

A rare snow leopard that was found dead in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Chitral region was explained to have died from natural causes, officials said on Tuesday.

The carcass of the snow leopard was discovered in the mountainous region of Garam Chashma a day ago. According to the post-mortem report, dated January 19, obtained by Express Tribune, "the cause of death is determined to be severe untreated diarrhea and dehydration".

It further said that the body was extremely weak and emaciated at the time of examination. It noted that "no bullet wounds were found on any part of the body" and "no external injuries or superficial abrasions were detected". It further said that all internal organs were checked and "found normal".

Read: International Snow Leopard Day: Renewed resolve to protect Pakistan's 155 endangered mountain cats

Chitral’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Farooq Nabi noted that snow leopards typically live between 10 and 13 years in the wild, and the deceased animal was estimated to be "over 12 years old", based on dental examination.

“The appearance of a snow leopard after such a long period was encouraging,” Nabi said, adding that "its natural death indicates that the species still thrives in the Chitral valleys”.

Read more: WWF warns infrastructure developments threaten existence of snow leopards

Conservation efforts are underway in the region, with support from local communities, the provincial wildlife department, and international organisations, including the Snow Leopard Foundation.

Latif Rehman, spokesperson for the K-P Wildlife Department, said local communities were trained monthly to protect these endangered animals. “The fact that a snow leopard has appeared after a long time demonstrates that conservation efforts are having a positive effect,” he added.

WWF-Pakistan posted on X that the recent death was a stark reminder of "how fragile this iconic species has become". "Every loss brings it closer to extinction," the organisation warmed.

The recent death of a snow leopard in Chitral is a stark reminder of how fragile this iconic species has become. Every loss brings the snow leopard closer to extinction. Habitat loss, climate change, and human–wildlife conflict continue to threaten its survival.

To address this,… pic.twitter.com/KU9qHVkPx9

— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) January 20, 2026

It said that using AI-enabled cameras, the organisation tracks snow leopards, warns communities and helps prevent conflict.

"Now, communities, authorities, and partners must act to protect this rare symbol of our mountains."