Pakistan, April 3 -- Pakistan's diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped mountains of the north to the vast plains and deserts in the south, are home to a wide range of wildlife. Yet as human populations expand and encroach upon these natural habitats, the conflict between people and wild animals is becoming increasingly common. From leopards roaming into villages to bears and wolves venturing near farmlands, these encounters often end in tragedy.

In one striking incident from January 2020 in Swat's Sarbanda village, a leopard entered the settlement while likely searching for food. The animal attacked two residents, and in a fit of panic, the villagers retaliated by shooting the leopard dead. This episode is sadly typical of what happens...