In a rare and remarkable sighting, a female snow leopard was seen with her three cubs in the Passu area near Hunza, wildlife experts said.
According to conservation specialists, this is only the second time such a scene has been formally documented in the region’s history. Snow leopards are considered among the world’s most elusive and rare big cats, known for their natural camouflage in snowy and rocky mountain terrain, which makes sightings extremely uncommon.
Experts said that capturing even a single snow leopard on camera is regarded as a major achievement. The appearance of four snow leopards together — a mother and her three cubs — is therefore considered exceptional.
Previously, a similar sighting was recorded in the Hushe Valley of Baltistan. The recent footage from Hunza has now become the second confirmed documentation of its kind in the region. The video was recorded by the Wakhan Wildlife Team, whose ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts have played a key role in protecting rare species.
Wildlife experts said the sighting reflects a healthy ecosystem in the Passu area. The presence of a mother with three cubs indicates sufficient prey availability and limited human disturbance, both of which are signs of effective conservation measures.
Snow leopards are listed globally as a threatened species and face growing risks from climate change, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Conservationists said such sightings offer hope and encouragement for ongoing efforts to protect the species and preserve fragile mountain ecosystems.
