Snow leopards face retaliatory killing when they prey on livestock in high-altitude communities, and coexistence programs that compensate herders and protect stock are vital for snow leopard welfare.
Snow leopard welfare is inseparable from the welfare of the mountain communities that share their habitat. When herders suffer significant livestock losses to snow leopard predation, retaliatory killing becomes economically rational from the herder perspective, regardless of legal protections. Effective coexistence programs address this root cause by making snow leopard presence economically neutral or positive for local communities. Livestock protection measures including predator-proof corrals, livestock guardian dogs, and herding practices that reduce vulnerability substantially reduce predation frequency. Compensation schemes and conservation tourism revenue that flows to local communities create positive economic relationships with snow leopard presence. These programs protect both snow leopard welfare and the livelihoods of mountain communities.