International Snow Leopard Day

International Snow Leopard Day is observed every year on 23rd October to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and the challenges faced by this vulnerable species.

Origin

International Snow Leopard Day was established in 2013 after the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in Kyrgyzstan. During this conference, 12 snow leopard range countries agreed to collaborate on conservation efforts and protect the species’ fragile habitat.

• UN Recognition: In 2024, the United Nations officially designated this day to promote cooperation for snow leopard conservation and the protection of their fragile mountain ecosystems.

India’s Campaign – #23for23:(2025 )

• Purpose: Raise awareness about snow leopard conservation.

• Initiated by: Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) and the Snow Leopard Trust.

• Concept: People dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity (like walking, running, or yoga) in honor of the snow leopard, symbolizing the global call to protect these “Ghosts of the Mountains.”

Countries Hosting Snow Leopards

Snow leopards are found across 12 countries:
Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Facts About Snow Leopards

About the Species

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a medium-sized wild cat known for its elusive behaviour and remarkable ability to survive in extremely harsh, high-altitude environments. It is often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains” due to its camouflage and secretive nature.

Habitat

Snow leopards are native to the mountains of Central and South Asia. They inhabit elevations ranging from 9,800 to 17,000 feet, primarily across high mountain ranges, including the Himalayas.
The global population is estimated at 3,500–7,000 individuals in the wild.

Snow Leopard Adaptations and Physical Features

• Paws and Locomotion: Snow leopards have extra-large paws that act like natural snowshoes, preventing them from sinking into deep snow. Their strong, short front limbs and longer hind limbs enable them to leap up to 30 feet (10 meters) in a single jump, making them highly agile in steep, rocky terrain.

• Ears and Nasal Cavity: Their round, short ears help reduce heat loss in frigid environments. The wide, short nasal cavity warms incoming air before it reaches the lungs, supporting survival at high altitudes.

• Tail: The snow leopard’s extra-long tail aids in balance while navigating rugged landscapes and provides additional warmth when wrapped around the body during rest.

• Communication: Unlike other big cats, snow leopards cannot roar. They communicate through growls, hisses, meows, and a unique sound called a “chuff.”

• Taxonomic Relation: Although called a “leopard,” the snow leopard is more closely related to the tiger than to leopards, reflecting its unique evolutionary lineage among big cats.

Behaviour

Snow leopards are solitary animals and are most active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular).
They do not roar; instead, they communicate through growls, hisses, meows, and a distinctive sound known as a “chuff.”

Reproduction

Mating typically occurs between January and March. During this period, both males and females intensively mark their territories using scrapes, faeces, urine, and scent-sprays along their movement paths.

Ecological Importance

Snow leopards serve as top predators in high-altitude ecosystems and act as indicator species, meaning their presence reflects the health of the ecosystem. Their kills also support scavengers such as vultures and wolves, thus playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Snow Leopard Population Assessment

The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program is a nationwide initiative to systematically assess the status and distribution of snow leopards in India. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Key Points about SPAI:

• Coordinator: Wildlife Institute of India (WII) serves as the National Coordinator.

• Partners: Conducted with support from snow leopard range states and conservation organizations like the Nature Conservation Foundation (Mysuru) and WWF-India.

• Coverage: Over 70% of India’s potential snow leopard habitat was systematically surveyed.

• Timeline: The program was carried out from 2019 to 2023.

Methodology:

The SPAI used a two-step framework:

1. Distribution Assessment:

   • Snow leopard spatial distribution was assessed using an occupancy-based sampling approach.

   • This helped identify where snow leopards are likely to occur in the Himalayan range.

2. Abundance Estimation:

   • Snow leopard population abundance was estimated using camera traps in the stratified regions identified in the first step.

   • This provided actual population estimates for different areas.

Findings of SPAI:

• Total estimated population in India: 718 snow leopards in the wild.

• Range: Spread across two Union Territories and four Himalayan states.

• Significance: India may host 1/6th to 1/9th of the global snow leopard population.

• State/UT-wise estimates:

  • Ladakh: 477

  • Uttarakhand: 124

  • Himachal Pradesh: 51

  • Arunachal Pradesh: 36

  • Sikkim: 21

  • Jammu and Kashmir: 9

The Government of India recognises the snow leopard as a flagship species of the high-altitude Himalayas, highlighting its ecological importance.
Hemis National Park in Ladakh is often referred to as the “Snow Leopard Capital of the World.