India’s First Snow Leopard Survey Records 718 Across Himalayas

Why in News?

On October 23, 2026, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh announced that India has an estimated 718 snow leopards (Panthera uncia), according to the country’s first Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI). Of these, 477 were recorded in Ladakh.

The announcement coincided with International Snow Leopard Day, observed annually on October 23.

Key Findings of SPAI

• Estimated population: 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas.
• Ladakh: 477 snow leopards.
• Significance: Provides a scientific baseline for monitoring snow leopard populations and planning conservation measures.
• Common name: Snow leopards are popularly known as the Ghost of the Mountains because their natural camouflage makes them difficult to spot.

About the Snow Leopard

• Scientific name: Panthera uncia.
• Habitat: High-altitude mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
• Geographical distribution: Its range extends across 12 countries—Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• Adaptations:
  • Thick fur and natural camouflage help it survive in cold, rocky environments.
  • Powerful hind legs enable it to leap distances of up to six times its body length.
  • Its long tail provides balance during movement and helps keep it warm while resting.
• Ecological role: As a top predator, it contributes to maintaining the ecological balance of high-altitude ecosystems.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

In a related development, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that the government had extended privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), its representatives and officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.

• Objective: Strengthen international cooperation for the conservation of big cat species.
• Approach: Coordinated conservation initiatives, scientific knowledge sharing and capacity-building.
• Significance: Facilitates international collaboration to address threats to big cats and their habitats.

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