Finding the ghosts: Snow leopard density and distribution in the multi-use region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Large carnivores like the snow leopard persist beyond Protected Areas, across human-dominated landscapes. With the aim to assess snow leopard density and distribution in non PA area, we used 193 camera-traps to understand the distribution of snow leopards in the region and community interviews to map landuse by people. Using 47 camera traps from this, we estimated density via SECR. We found 0.35 (0.11–1.06) snow leopards/100 km² coexisting with local livestock grazing, pilgrimage, and resource use. Livestock losses occurred, but leopards were rarely seen. Our results confirm the need for landscape‑level, community‑based conservation strategies, not just protected areas.