Every year, the world celebrates International Snow Leopard Day on October 23. The day aims to raise societal awareness about the need for conservation and protection of the enigmatic cat – The Snow Leopard.
A Historical Perspective
October 23, 2013, was a red-letter day in the fight for Snow Leopard conservation. This day witnessed the birth of International Snow Leopard Day with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration by 12 countries. These nations include India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. At the same time, the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) was also launched, aiming at resolving the high-mountain development issues by using the conservation of the Snow Leopard as a flagship.
Snow Leopard: The Ghost of the Mountains
Referred to as the “Ghost of the mountains,” the Snow Leopard is an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem it inhabits due to its role as the apex predator. This elusive creature thrives at high altitudes in steep, rocky mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia and survives extreme weather conditions. Large concentrations of Snow Leopards can be found in the higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan landscape in the Indian states and union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
India: A Unique Spot for Big Cats
India boasts of having a significant presence of five big cat species, including the Snow Leopard. The other four are the Lion, Tiger, Common Leopard, and Clouded Leopard. Hemis, Ladakh, also known as Hemis National Park, stands as the largest national park in India and a prime habitat for Snow Leopards.
Threats to Snow Leopard Population
Snow Leopard populations are experiencing a decline due to various factors. A reduction in prey populations, illegal poaching, increased human infiltration into its habitat, and unlawful wildlife trade contribute significantly to this species’ decimation.
Protection Measures and Conservation Efforts
Acknowledging the threats against Snow Leopards, several protective measures and conservation efforts have been implemented. According to guidelines set by the IUCN Red List, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Snow Leopards are listed as a vulnerable species and given absolute protection. Moreover, India has initiated several conservation programs, such as HimalSanrakshak, a community volunteer program launched on October 23, 2020, and the SECURE Himalaya project funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF)-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These initiatives aim at preserving high altitude biodiversity and reducing local communities’ reliance on the natural ecosystem. Other significant projects include Project Snow Leopard (PSL), launched in 2009, and a conservation breeding program at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
