477 Snow Leopards in Ladakh: Study

1. A recent assessment by Ladakh’s Department of Wildlife Protection has recorded 477 snow leopards in the region.
2. Ladakh hosts 68% of India’s total snow leopard population, making it one of the densest habitats globally.

Key Highlights of the Study:

1. High snow leopard concentrations are found in Hemis National Park, Kargil, and Leh, forming one of the world's largest connected populations.
2. Favorable factors include resource-rich grasslands, moderate climate, and abundant prey availability.
3. About 61% of Ladakh’s snow leopards were found living in areas shared with human communities, showing successful coexistence.
4. Cultural respect for wildlife, benefits from eco-tourism, and active conflict management practices contribute to their protection.

Snow Leopard Conservation Initiatives Project Snow Leopard India International Big Cat Alliance Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme Bishkek Declaration 2017 and Samarkand Resolution 2024

 

About Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia):

1. Native to 12 countries across South and Central Asia, they are a flagship species of high-altitude mountain ecosystems.
2. In India, snow leopards are found in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Conservation Status:
   • Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
   • Protected under CITES Appendix I, CMS Appendix I, and Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
4. Prefer habitats with steep rocky terrains and elevations between 3,000–5,000 metres.
5. Known for their smoky-grey fur with dark rosettes, they are solitary and mostly active during dawn and dusk.