Survey Finds 718 Snow Leopards in India

According to India's federal environment ministry, there are approximately 718 snow leopards in the country, as revealed by the first-ever survey of the animal. This number accounts for around 10-15% of the global snow leopard population, which is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The snow leopard faces various threats in the wild, including habitat loss, poaching, and infrastructure development. The survey, called the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, was conducted from 2019 to 2023 as part of the global effort to determine the population of snow leopards worldwide. It covered around 120,000 sq km of the animal's habitat in the trans-Himalayan region in India, including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The survey used camera traps and other data analysis methods to estimate the population at 718. Knowing the exact population of snow leopards is crucial due to their role as the apex predator in the Himalayan ecosystem. It helps assess the ecosystem's health, identify potential threats to their habitat, and understand the impacts of climate change. The report emphasizes the importance of protecting the high-altitude habitats that are critical for the snow leopard's survival and the well-being of local communities who rely on these resources. Approximately 70% of the land used by the snow leopard is unprotected, making consistent monitoring necessary for its long-term survival.