Snow leopards are one of the most elusive and captivating big cats found in the high mountains of Central and South Asia. In India, these magnificent creatures face unique challenges and threats. As of January 30, 2024, the population of snow leopards in India is estimated to be 718.
Despite their low population, only 34% of the snow leopard habitat, which spans approximately 120,000 square kilometers, is legally protected. This means that around 70% of their vital habitat remains unprotected, posing significant risks to their survival.
To enhance conservation efforts, the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun is proposing the establishment of a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell. This initiative aims to facilitate long-term population monitoring, conduct organized studies, and carry out consistent field surveys to support the conservation of snow leopards in India.
The assessment of the snow leopard population was conducted through the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) over four years, from 2019 to 2023. This assessment involved installing camera traps at 1,971 locations across various states and Union territories, successfully capturing images of 241 unique individuals. This data contributed to the current population estimate.
Ladakh is the region with the highest population of snow leopards, accounting for 477 individuals. Following Ladakh, Uttarakhand has 124 snow leopards, while Himachal Pradesh is home to 51 of these remarkable animals.
The snow leopard is classified as 'Vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This status highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this species and its habitat.
Snow leopard occupancy has been recorded over an area of 93,392 square kilometers, with an estimated presence in 100,841 square kilometers across India. This expansive distribution underscores the importance of habitat conservation efforts.
Systematic surveys for snow leopards in India began in the 1980s, initially focusing on the western Himalayas, particularly in Ladakh. These surveys later expanded to include regions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, contributing significantly to our understanding of the species.
Q1. How many snow leopards are currently in India?
Answer: As of January 30, 2024, India is home to an estimated 718 snow leopards.
Q2. What percentage of snow leopard habitat in India is legally protected?
Answer: Only 34% of the snow leopard habitat, covering 120,000 square kilometers, is under legal protection, leaving 70% unprotected.
Q3. What is the purpose of the Snow Leopard Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India?
Answer: The Snow Leopard Cell aims to conduct long-term monitoring, organized studies, and field surveys to enhance snow leopard conservation efforts.
Q4. How was the snow leopard population assessed in India?
Answer: The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India involved camera traps at 1,971 locations, capturing images of 241 unique individuals over four years from 2019 to 2023.
Q5. Which region in India has the highest snow leopard population?
Answer: Ladakh has the highest number, with 477 snow leopards, followed by Uttarakhand with 124 and Himachal Pradesh with 51.
Question 1: What is the estimated population of snow leopards in India as of 2024?
A) 600
B) 718
C) 800
D) 500
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What percentage of snow leopard habitat in India is legally protected?
A) 50%
B) 34%
C) 70%
D) 25%
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which region has the highest population of snow leopards in India?
A) Uttarakhand
B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Ladakh
D) Sikkim
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the conservation status of the snow leopard according to the IUCN?
A) Endangered
B) Vulnerable
C) Least Concern
D) Critically Endangered
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: When did systematic surveys of snow leopards begin in India?
A) 1990s
B) 1980s
C) 2000s
D) 1970s
Correct Answer: B
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