AI cameras aim to protect snow leopards from extinction in Pakistan

In Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan, conservationists are working to protect snow leopards, estimated to number only 4,000 to 6,000 in the wild, with about 300 residing in Pakistan. Due to rising temperatures, local farmers have begun moving their livestock to higher ground, which has encroached on the snow leopards' natural habitat. This has exacerbated conflicts between humans and wildlife, with instances of snow leopards attacking and killing livestock being reported. In response to the growing human-wildlife conflict, scientists have developed AI cameras that can detect snow leopards' presence and send alerts to villagers via text messages, advising them to relocate their livestock to safety. Despite the potential benefits of this new technology, there have been challenges, especially concerning the local community's involvement and communication barriers. One villager, Sitara, lost all her sheep to a snow leopard and expressed concerns about how text alerts would work given her lack of mobile service. The technology aims to help balance ecosystem preservation by allowing snow leopards to continue hunting their natural prey, like ibex and blue sheep, which helps maintain grasslands that are vital for both wildlife and local communities. Nevertheless, experts acknowledge that while AI is a promising tool, it cannot resolve all the underlying issues of human-wildlife conflict, calling for a more integrated approach that respects local traditions and safeguards both villagers' livelihoods and wildlife. Ultimately, this initiative reflects the complexity of conservation efforts where technological solutions must go hand in hand with cultural considerations and community engagement. While many are hopeful about the positive impacts of AI in tracking these elusive animals, the path forward will require effort and commitment from both scientists and the local population to foster coexistence between humans and snow leopards.