Himachal Pradesh has recently conducted a significant survey revealing that the snow leopard population in the state has increased to 83, up from just 51 in 2021. This data comes from the Wildlife Wing of the State Forest Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF).

About the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

The snow leopard is a majestic and elusive species, native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, and is found across 12 countries, including India, China, Nepal, and Russia. Here are some key details:

• Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

• Distribution in India: India is home to an estimated 500–700 snow leopards, primarily found in the Himalayas and Trans-Himalayan regions.

• State Animal: It is the state animal of both Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

• Mascot of Khelo India Winter Games 2024: The snow leopard, named Sheen-e She (Shan), is the official mascot for the games held in Ladakh.

Physical Features:

• Size: Medium-sized, weighing between 30–55 kg.

• Height: 55–65 cm at the shoulder.

• Length: 90–115 cm (excluding the tail).

• Fur: Smoky-grey with black rosettes, helping camouflage in rocky terrain.

• Paws: Large, functioning like natural snowshoes to prevent sinking in snow.

• Tail: Extra-long, used for balance and warmth.

• Ears: Small and round to reduce heat loss in cold environments.

• Nasal Cavity: Wide and short to warm cold air before inhalation.

• Leaping Ability: Can leap up to 10 meters (30 feet) in a single bound.

Evolutionary Relations:

• Snow leopards are more closely related to tigers than to leopards and cannot roar like most other big cats.

Key Details of the Survey

The survey, which spanned a total area of 26,000 sq km, covered the Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Pangi, Lahaul, and the Great Himalayan National Park. The survey's findings were made possible by the use of 271 camera traps, marking a major advancement in conservation efforts.

Key Findings:

• Snow Leopard Population: 83 snow leopards were recorded in Himachal Pradesh, showing a notable increase in their population.

• Other Significant Sightings:

  • First official sighting of Pallas’s Cat in Kinnaur.

  • Rediscovery of the Woolly Flying Squirrel in Lahaul.

• Community Involvement: For the first time globally, indigenous women from Kibber in Himachal Pradesh contributed to data analysis, showcasing inclusive community participation in the conservation process.

• Innovative Conservation Model: The survey set a cost-effective and scalable model for monitoring the snow leopard population, which could be used in other regions as well.

This survey emphasizes the importance of community-driven conservation while also shedding light on the critical role of technology (camera traps) and data analysis in safeguarding endangered species like the snow leopard. The increasing population of this iconic species is a positive sign for the long-term health of the ecosystem in the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan regions

The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare has recently announced the approval of the National Pulses Mission by the Cabinet, along with an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for rabi crops. This initiative aims to boost pulse production in India, ensuring self-sufficiency in pulses.

About the National Pulses Mission (NPM)

The National Pulses Mission is a six-year central scheme designed to achieve self-reliance in pulses production in India. The mission, titled "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses," will be implemented over the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore.

Key Features of the National Pulses Mission

1. Production Targets:

   • The mission aims to increase the pulses production from 242 lakh tonnes (2023-24) to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-32.

   • The area under pulses cultivation will be expanded to 310 lakh hectares from 242 lakh hectares.

   • The yield will be enhanced to 1,130 kg per hectare from 881 kg per hectare.

2. Implementation Strategy:

   • The mission will be carried out through a cluster-based approach across 416 focused districts.

   • 1,000 new processing and packaging units will be established, with subsidies of up to ₹25 lakh for setting up these units.

3. Seed Distribution and Improvement:

   • 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds will be distributed to pulse-growing farmers, covering 370 lakh hectares by 2030-31.

   • An additional 88 lakh seed kits will be given free to farmers, promoting the expansion of pulse cultivation in rice-fallow areas and encouraging intercropping and crop diversification.

4. Focus on Improved Varieties:

   • The mission will promote the development of high-productivity, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulse varieties.

   • Multi-location trials will be conducted in major pulse-growing states to ensure that the new varieties are regionally suitable.

5. Support to Farmers:

   • The mission will ensure the assured procurement of pulses like tur, urad, and masur through the Price Support Scheme (PSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA).

   • NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation) will handle 100% procurement from registered farmers for the next four years.

6. Collaboration and Technology:

   • States will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will supervise breeder seed production.

   • Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal will track all seed-related activities for better transparency.

Focus on Specific Crops:

The mission will specifically target the production of tur, urad, and masur, three crucial pulses in India’s diet and agriculture. These pulses are also central to India's nutritional security and have export potential.

Implications of the National Pulses Mission:

• Economic Impact: By boosting pulses production, the mission aims to reduce India’s dependency on imports, which have been significant in recent years. This will not only help farmers by improving the market prices of pulses but also enhance food security across the country.

• Sustainability: With a focus on climate-resilient crops and pest-resistant varieties, the mission aligns with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture.

• Inclusive Growth: The involvement of local communities, especially through seed distribution and processing units, ensures that the benefits of the mission reach farmers at the grassroots level. The focus on intercropping and diversified cropping systems is expected to promote farmers' resilience against climate shocks.

Conclusion

The National Pulses Mission is a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in pulses production, which is essential for India’s food security and farmers’ welfare. By focusing on productivity improvements, seed distribution, and infrastructure support, the mission aims to make India a global leader in pulse production while improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers

The Kashmir Fisheries Department has announced plans to reintroduce Brown Trout to the Valley for game fishing purposes.

About the Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

• Species Overview: The Brown Trout is a species of salmonid ray-finned fish and one of the most widely distributed species in its genus Salmo.

• Global Distribution: Native to Europe, the brown trout has been widely introduced around the world, especially as a game fish. It is considered one of the worst invasive species outside its native range.

• Preferred Habitat: The Brown Trout thrives in cold, well-oxygenated water, and it is most commonly found in freshwater streams.

Key Characteristics:

• Size: Typically grows between 15 to 22 inches in length and weighs between 1 to 5 pounds.

• Breeding Season: The breeding season occurs in October/November.

• Habitat: Prefers crevices between boulders in streams, making it well-suited to rocky, freshwater environments.

Distribution:

• Native Range: The natural habitat of Brown Trout extends from northern Norway and Russia (White Sea tributaries) in the Arctic Ocean to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. The species is also found from Iceland in the north Atlantic to Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Aral Sea tributaries.

• In India: The British introduced Brown Trout to the Kashmir Valley’s streams in 1900, where it became established as a game fish.

Conservation Status:

• The Brown Trout is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and stable populations in many regions. However, it is considered an invasive species outside its native range, potentially disrupting local ecosystems.

Reintroduction Plans in Kashmir

The Kashmir Fisheries Department plans to reintroduce the Brown Trout in the Valley's freshwater streams, likely to boost game fishing activities in the region. The move is expected to be beneficial for the local economy and promote the Valley as a fishing destination.

Conclusion

The reintroduction of Brown Trout in Kashmir’s streams is an exciting development for both conservationists and fishing enthusiasts. It holds potential for enhancing the region’s tourism while also raising ecological concerns. Effective management will be key to ensuring that the reintroduced species does not negatively affect the native biodiversity of the region