Basics
- Why in News: Latest survey (2024) shows snow leopard population in Himachal Pradesh increased from 51 to 83, reflecting conservation success.
- Species: Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), apex predator, “indicator species” for high-altitude ecosystems.
- Location: Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude habitats (Spiti, Kinnaur, Lahaul, Greater Himalayan & Pin Valley National Parks).
- Survey Findings:
- Population increased from 51 (2021) → 83 (2024) (excluding cubs).
- First comprehensive survey (2018–2021) → second survey completed in 2024.
Relevance
- GS1 (Geography) → Himalayan ecosystems & biodiversity.
- GS2 (Governance) → Role of state in conservation, cooperative federalism in wildlife management.
- GS3 (Environment) → Wildlife conservation, climate change impact on fragile ecosystems.
Survey Methodology
- Conducted by Himachal Forest Department + Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF).
- Techniques Used:
- 271 camera traps set up across 26,000 sq. km habitat.
- Use of spatially explicit capture-recapture methods.
- Identified 44 unique individuals from 262 confirmed detections.
- Coordinated field efforts ensured reliable results → addresses criticism of past underestimation.
Regional Distribution
- Highest Density: Spiti Valley (core snow leopard landscape).
- Other strongholds:
- Kinnaur, Lahaul, Greater Himalayan NP, Pin Valley NP.
- Additional detections in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Sanctuary, Tundah Sanctuary, Kugti Sanctuary, Sechut Sanctuary, Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary.
- District-level: Upper Kinnaur & Tabo reported highest concentrations.
Population Insights
- Estimated range: 67–103 individuals (with 83 as mean estimate).
- Density: 0.16 to 0.53 snow leopards per 100 sq. km, comparable with global snow leopard densities in Central Asia.
- Encouraging trend → indicates stable and possibly recovering population.
Conservation Significance
- Himachal Pradesh → first state in India to complete a scientific snow leopard population estimate.
- Snow leopard = umbrella species → conservation ensures survival of associated high-altitude biodiversity.
- Linked with India’s SECURE Himalaya Project (UNDP + MoEFCC + GEF).
- Survey strengthens India’s international commitments under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP, 2013).
Challenges Highlighted
- Habitat fragility: Infrastructure projects (roads, dams, tourism).
- Human-wildlife conflict: Attacks on livestock → retaliatory killings.
- Climate change: Shrinking snowline alters prey base (Bharal, ibex).
- Poaching & illegal wildlife trade: Although reduced, remains a threat.
Policy & Governance Implications
- Wildlife Week 2024 highlight → scientific conservation success.
- Supports India’s efforts to align biodiversity conservation with SDG 15 (Life on Land).
- Need for:
- Expansion of community-based conservation (eco-tourism, compensation for livestock losses).
- Strengthened monitoring & technology use (drones, AI for camera trap analysis).
- Cross-border collaboration (snow leopards span India–China–Nepal–Bhutan–Pakistan).
Value Addition
- Scientific Name: Panthera uncia (formerly Uncia uncia), apex predator of the Himalayas.
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List, 2023), population declining globally due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Global Range: High-altitude regions of 12 countries – India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- Indian Distribution: Found in five states – Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Habitat Preference: Alpine and subalpine zones (3,000–5,500 m), rocky cliffs, and steep terrain with sparse vegetation.
- Diet: Carnivore; preys on bharal (blue sheep), ibex, marmots, pikas, domestic livestock (in conflict zones).
- Adaptations: Thick fur, wide paws for snow traction, long tail for balance and warmth, camouflaged coat for rocky terrain.
- Reproduction: Breeding season Feb–Mar, gestation ~90–100 days, litter size 1–5 cubs; cubs remain with mother ~18–22 months.
- Threats: Poaching (for fur and bones), retaliatory killings due to livestock predation, climate change shrinking alpine habitat, mining/road construction.
- Conservation Efforts:Project Snow Leopard (MoEFCC, India) – community-based conservation.Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP, 2013) – 12 range countries collaborate.Protected areas: Hemis NP (J&K), Khangchendzonga NP (Sikkim), Pin Valley NP (HP), Great Himalayan NP (HP).
