A snow leopard attacked and killed a herd of mountain goats kept by Ram Bahadur Gurung in Tetang, Mustang district, on Sunday.

A total of 27 Chyangras were killed while two were injured when the snow leopard entered the livestock shed, according to officials at the Mustang office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

Cases of snow leopards inhabiting high mountainous areas of Manang and Mustang attacking domestic livestock such as goats, sheep and yak are growing. According to the project, a total of 148 mountain goats died within the first six months of the current fiscal year.

The ACAP estimates that around 18 snow leopards are found in parts of Mustang. Incidents of snow leopards being attacked by enraged farmers threaten the endangered species in the country.

The government, with support from various conservation partners, has initiated a livestock insurance programme that compensates livestock owners for the animals killed or injured within the conservation area.

The snow leopard population in Nepal is estimated between 300 and 350.