GALIYAT: A new pilot livestock insurance scheme has been launched in Galiyat to help communities cope with livestock losses caused by leopard attacks and promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
The initiative has been launched by WWF-Pakistan, with support from Jubilee Insurance and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department.
Camera traps installed in the region have captured leopards moving through their natural habitat at night, highlighting the presence of the species in the forest landscape surrounding local communities.
For families living close to leopard habitats, the loss of livestock can create a significant economic burden and may increase tensions between communities and wildlife.
Under the pilot scheme, eligible community members can have their livestock tagged and receive compensation if their animals are attacked by leopards, subject to the terms and conditions of the insurance programme.
The initiative aims to reduce the financial impact of livestock losses and encourage communities to support leopard conservation. By providing an economic safety net, the programme seeks to reduce the pressure that can contribute to human-wildlife conflict.
Leopards play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, while Galiyat’s forests provide valuable habitat for wildlife and support biodiversity.
The initiative highlights an important principle of conservation: protecting wildlife also requires supporting the people who share the same landscape. Strengthening community participation and creating practical solutions for livestock owners can help build a more sustainable relationship between local communities and wildlife.
Protecting leopards means protecting both their habitat and the communities that live alongside them.
