Leop of faith
Irishman helping to save endangered species in nation hit by climate change
AN Irishman is on a mission to help save snow leopards in the mountains of Nepal.
Their plight inspired Dr Jonny Hanson to carry a 25kg backpack up and down Glenariff Forest’s hills in Co Antrim for weeks ahead of his trip to highlight the threats they’re up against.
It was there we met the determined conservationist for his final training session before he left for a 12-day snow leopard trail through the Himalayas.
Putting us through our paces over the six-mile hike, the Monaghan man, who spent his formative years in Malawi and now lives in Ballymena, Co Antrim, told us he’s working on a documentary for NI Screen.
The endangered species lives at high altitudes and according to the WWF, is a key indicator of the impact of climate change.
They are already vulnerable to extinction with just 2,710-3,386 mature adults thought to be left in the wild because of habitat loss, poaching, declines in their natural prey and killing by humans.
Dr Hanson said his documentary will “be looking at snow leopard conservation and also asking what the future holds for the species and the people who share their mountain home”. He told us: “The key to understanding the future of anything is to go back in time and understand the past.
“One of the key themes in our story is that leadership of snow leopard conservation in Nepal has passed from western pioneers to local champions.
“We are looking ahead and asking what the future holds for this part of the world and its people.
“Snow leopard country provides water for a third of the world’s people as well as for its most iconic species in an era of accelerating climate change.
“I am a big believer that an ounce of hope is worth a tonne of despair and I think in an age of climate change and extinction, we need stories that inspire.”
Dr Hanson did his PHD in snow leopard conservation and has been visiting Nepal since 2009.
He recalled his childhood amid the mountains of Malawi and his love of big cats and farming sparked his interest in the declining species.
He added: “My research was about... how snow leopards could co-exist with livestock farming in Nepal. There’s a whole basket of issues snow leopards face and this is to try and unpack the problems but also articulate solutions.”
The film will be shown at NI Science Festival in February.
I believe an ounce of hope is worth a tonne of despair
DR JONNY HANSON YESTERDAY