Context:

• The recent report released by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change marks a pivotal moment in wildlife conservation efforts in India, particularly concerning the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) populations in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Key Points:

• The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) represents the first comprehensive scientific endeavor to estimate the population of this elusive and iconic species, which is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in its mountainous habitat.

Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)

• Conducted over a four-year period from 2019 to 2023, the SPAI covered approximately 120,000 square kilometers across the trans-Himalayan region, which includes critical habitats in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
•  The assessment was coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with various conservation partners, including the Nature Conservation Foundation and WWF-India. This extensive survey aimed to provide a clearer understanding of snow leopard populations, their distribution, and the challenges they face.

Key findings of the Assessment

• The SPAI identified a total population of 718 snow leopards across India, which constitutes approximately 10-15% of the global population of this species.
• Notably, Ladakh emerged as the region with the largest concentration of snow leopards, housing 477 individuals. Other regions included Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).
• The survey revealed that snow leopards occupy about 93,392 square kilometers of land, with an estimated presence across 100,841 square kilometers. Alarmingly, 70% of this habitat remains unprotected, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures.
• The assessment employed a rigorous two-step framework that included spatial distribution evaluation through occupancy-based sampling and abundance estimation via camera traps deployed at nearly 2,000 locations. This meticulous approach allowed researchers to gather crucial data on snow leopard behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics.

Ecological significance of Snow Leopards

• Snow leopards play a vital role as apex predators within their mountainous ecosystems. Their presence is indicative of a healthy environment, as they help maintain the balance of prey populations, which include species such as ibex and blue sheep.
• Understanding the population dynamics of snow leopards is essential for identifying potential threats to their habitat and addressing issues related to climate change, which can significantly impact their prey availability and habitat stability.

Threats to Snow Leopard populations

Despite their ecological significance, snow leopards face numerous threats that jeopardize their survival:

• Urbanization and infrastructure development: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure projects have encroached upon their natural habitats, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss.
• Illegal hunting: Poaching and illegal hunting pose significant risks to snow leopards, driven by the demand for their pelts and body parts in illegal wildlife trade.
• Climate change: Alterations in climate patterns affect the availability of prey species and the stability of snow leopard habitats, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

Recommendations for conservation

To ensure the long-term survival of snow leopards, several recommendations have been proposed:

• Establishment of a specialized unit: A dedicated unit at the WII under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is recommended to focus on long-term monitoring and conservation strategies for snow leopards.
• Regular assessments: Implementing regular assessments every four years can help track population changes and address emerging threats effectively.
• Community involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can enhance protection measures while fostering sustainable livelihoods that align with wildlife preservation.
• Collaboration with security forces: Involving Indian security forces along borders with neighboring countries can facilitate collaborative conservation efforts to protect critical habitats from poaching and illegal trade.