Study by Ladakh’s Department of Wildlife Protection has estimated 477 snow leopards in Ladakh | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Study by Ladakh’s Department of Wildlife Protection has estimated 477 snow leopards in Ladakh

Posted 08 May 2025

2 min read

Ladakh has one of the world's highest densities of Snow Leopard, representing 68% of India's species population.

Key Highlight of Study

  • Area: Globally highest extensive densities in Hemis National Park, Kargil, and Leh, making one of the world's largest contiguous populations.
  • Factors for high density:
    • Resource-rich grasslands with a moderate climate and greater availability of prey.
    • Less human disturbance as 61% of snow leopards in Ladakh were found to co-exist alongside human populations.
    • Cultural reverence for wildlife among Ladakh’s communities, economic benefits from Snow Leopard tourism and conflict management strategies.

About Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia)

  • Geographical Spread: Flagship species in the mountainous regions of South and Central Asia, spanning 12 countries.
    • In India, found in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim in Western Himalayas and Arunachal Pradesh in Eastern Himalayas.
  • Conservation status
    • IUCN Red List:Vulnerable.
    • CITES Appendix I and CMS Appendix I
    • Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Habitat: Steep, rugged terrains with rocky outcrops and ravines at an elevation of 3,000-5,000 metres.
  • Characteristics: Having smokey-grey fur patterned with dark-grey to black rosettes, they are solitary animals, most active at dawn and dusk. 
An infographic showing Conservation Initiatives for Snow Leopard
  • Tags :
  • Himalayas
  • Snow Leopard
  • Flagship Species
  • Big Cat
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