Collaborative conservation for snow leopards: Lessons learned from successful community‐based interventions

Abstract

Collaborative conservation interventions based on engagement with local communities are increasingly common, especially for large carnivores that negatively impact people's livelihoods and well‐being. However, evaluating the effectiveness of large‐scale community‐based conservation interventions is rarely done, making it problematic to assess or justify their impact. In our study focused on snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in five countries, we show that bespoke and well‐implemented community‐based and conflict management intervention efforts can lead to more sustainable conservation outcomes. Collaborative interventions, spread over about 88,000 km2 of snow leopard habitat, reduced livestock depredation and disease and associated economic costs. Additionally, they generated conservation‐linked livelihoods and enhanced community decision‐making, leading to more positive behavioral intent toward snow leopards and improved communities’ cooperation, economic security, and confidence. Our results provide lessons learned and recommendations for practitioners and governments to alleviate conflicts and foster coexistence with snow leopards and large carnivores more broadly. These include prioritizing locally led tailored solutions based on the PARTNERS principles, recognizing local community rights in conservation decision‐making, and recognizing the role of social norms in ensuring accountability.