Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is the striking symbol as well as an indicator of intact eco-regions
of high mountains it inhabits. Despite the advancement in new methods, scholars argue that signs
are still a reliable indicator for the purpose of habitat use study of snow leopards. The relative
abundance of snow leopard and its major prey species such as blue sheep (Pseudois nayar) and
Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in the Chhekampar Village Development Committee
within the Tsum Valley of the Manaslu Conservation Area was determined by sign survey using
Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) and block survey using Vantage Point
Method, respectively. We also assessed human snow leopard conflict through household and key
informant survey. The encounter rate of snow leopard signs were 3.57/km on an average,
indicating low abundance, whereas prey species such as blue sheep and Himalayan tahr had 3.8
and 1.8 animals/km2
, respectively.