In a groundbreaking study hailed as a milestone in conservation efforts, Indian researchers have documented the presence of over 200 elusive snow leopards across the country. The mammoth five-year survey, described as the first nationwide review of snow leopards in India, provides valuable insights into the population and distribution of these majestic big cats.
Conducted by the environment ministry, the comprehensive survey covered 120,000 square kilometres of remote mountain terrain, employing camera traps in nearly 2,000 locations. The painstaking effort, spanning more than 180,000 nights of observation, captured images of 241 individual snow leopards, shedding light on their elusive behaviour and habitat preferences.
Snow leopards, characterized by their thick grey fur adorned with dark spots and distinctive large paws, are renowned for their mastery of stealth and camouflage. The survey, assisted by the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) India, underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.
Prior to the survey, estimates suggested a population of 400-700 snow leopards in India. However, the latest report places the total number at the upper end of this range, reaffirming the significance of India as a stronghold for these elusive cats.
According to the findings, two-thirds of the snow leopard population in India is concentrated in Ladakh, with the remaining individuals scattered across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The environment ministry emphasized the importance of continued monitoring to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures.
Globally, snow leopards face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and the impacts of climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as “vulnerable” species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action to safeguard their future.
While the exact total number of snow leopards across their range remains uncertain, conservationists estimate their population to be between 3,920 and 6,390 individuals across 12 countries in Asia. Recognized as the “ghosts of the mountains” for their elusive nature, snow leopards serve as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between human development and wildlife conservation in the world’s high-altitude regions.
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