Ladakh Emerges as Snow Leopard Haven: First Scientific Census Reports 718 Individuals in India
In a groundbreaking revelation, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupendra Yadav, unveiled the findings of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) program during the National Wildlife Board meeting in New Delhi. This scientific endeavor, the first of its kind, provides a comprehensive insight into the snow leopard population in India, revealing a total of 718 individuals.
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| According to the first scientific calculation, Ladakh has the highest population of snow leopards. |
Population Distribution Across States
The data analysis from the SPAI program sheds light on the distribution of snow leopards across different states in India. Ladakh emerges as a haven with the highest population, boasting a staggering 477 individuals. The numbers in other states are as follows: Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).
Collaborative Efforts and National Coordination
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) spearheads the SPAI program as the national coordinator. This extensive exercise is a result of collaborative efforts involving all snow leopard range states and two esteemed conservation partners, Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, and WWF-India. The meticulous process systematically covered over 70% of the potential snow leopard range in the country.
Extensive Survey and Technological Deployment
Covering approximately 120,000 sq km of critical snow leopard habitat in the Trans-Himalayan region, the SPAI program involved surveying 13,450 km of trails to record snow leopard signs. The technological aspect included the deployment of camera traps at 1,971 locations for 180,000 trap nights, providing invaluable data for the census.
Snow Leopard: A Species of Importance
Scientifically known as Panthera uncia, the snow leopard holds significant ecological importance. It is listed in Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, and Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). India actively participates in the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Conservation (GSLEP) program since 2013.
Conservation Initiatives and Breeding Programs
In a commendable move towards conservation, India initiated the National Protocol on 'Snow Leopard Population Assessment' in 2019. Additionally, a snow leopard conservation breeding program has been launched at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Secure Himalaya Project
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), funds the 'Secure Himalaya' project. This initiative focuses on conserving high-altitude biodiversity, further emphasizing the global significance of protecting the delicate ecosystems where snow leopards thrive.
In conclusion, the SPAI program's findings not only spotlight Ladakh as a stronghold for snow leopards but also underscore the collaborative efforts and technological advancements in wildlife conservation. As India actively engages in global initiatives, the nation's commitment to protecting its diverse and endangered species remains unwavering.
