Himachal Pradesh, a region nestled in the Himalayan range, is home to 75 snow leopards. This remarkable discovery comes after a five-year systematic effort to estimate the population of these elusive “Ghost of the Mountains.” The study, known as the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, was conducted by the state’s wildlife wing in collaboration with the Mysore-based Nature Conservation Foundation. The primary goal was to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and assess the impact of climate change on these magnificent creatures.
Habitat and Distribution
The majority of snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh were found in the Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts, with potential habitats extending into the upper regions of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, and Kangra districts. Globally, snow leopards are found in 12 Asian countries, including India, specifically in the Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. These magnificent cats inhabit high mountain ecosystems.
Conservation Challenges
Snow leopards face a multitude of threats, including habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change, and pollution. Their conservation is crucial not only for the preservation of this iconic species but also for the health of the Himalayan ecosystems. Snow leopards symbolize essential ecosystem services like fresh water and carbon sequestration, benefiting billions of people living downstream.
Conservation Significance
Conserving snow leopards goes hand in hand with preserving both biological and cultural diversity and securing livelihoods in the “third pole” region, spanning the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Pamir, Tien-Shan, Altai mountains, and the Tibetan plateau.
Population Assessment
The snow leopard population assessment in Himachal Pradesh began in 2018, with the state taking a leading role in India. The assessment covered 26,000 square kilometers of snow leopard habitat and included surveys of prey species such as bharal and ibex, essential for understanding the snow leopard’s ecological balance.
Camera Trapping Surveys
Camera trapping surveys were carried out across various habitat strata, including high, low, and unknown regions. In total, the surveys detected 44 individual snow leopards. The density of snow leopards in the state ranged from 0.08 to 0.37 individuals per 100 square kilometers. The trans-Himalayan regions of Spiti and Pin Valley recorded the highest densities of snow leopards.
Rich Prey Populations
The trans-Himalayan region also supports rich prey populations, with 891 blue sheep estimated in Spiti and 224 ibex estimated in the Pin Valley. Notably, Spiti and Tabo recorded the highest densities of both snow leopards and their prey, while Chandra and Bharmour recorded the lowest densities of both.
Diverse Wildlife
Apart from snow leopards, the camera trapping surveys also recorded a wide range of other species. These included carnivores like brown bears, black bears, and pheasants like the monal and the cheer pheasant. The presence of various species showcases the importance of this region’s biodiversity.
Community Involvement
The report highlights the significance of involving local communities in conservation efforts. They play a vital role as allies in safeguarding these majestic creatures. It is crucial to consider their concerns when planning conservation strategies.
