Snow Leopards in Himachal Pradesh

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