The population of rare snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude tribal regions has grown by an impressive 62 percent over the past four years, according to a newly released wildlife survey. The count, which stood at 51 in 2021, has now increased to 83, announced officials from the state Forest Department’s Wildlife Wing on Friday. This significant rise reflects successful long-term conservation strategies that actively engage local communities.
Released on the first day of Wildlife Week (October 2–8), the report indicates that the count excludes cubs and has even surpassed the upper confidence estimate of 73 from the 2021 survey. This exceeding figure suggests a promising possible expansion of habitats for these elusive creatures.
The study relied on a large-scale camera-trapping exercise conducted across six sites, covering nearly 26,000 square kilometers. Snow leopards and their habitats were identified in key regions including Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Pangi valley. Sightings were recorded not just in protected areas such as the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Great Himalayan National Park, but also beyond these boundaries, indicating wider distribution.
Alongside the snow leopards, the survey documented populations of vital prey species such as blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, and musk deer. It also identified other mammals including Himalayan wolves, brown bears, leopards, red foxes, and martens, showcasing the region’s diverse ecosystem.
Highlighting the richness of the biodiversity, the survey reported the first official sighting of Pallas’s cat in Kinnaur and the rediscovery of the woolly flying squirrel in Lahaul. This underscores the importance of ongoing biodiversity assessments in the state.
Officials credited community involvement as a major factor behind the survey’s success. Local youth and women from Kibber village in Spiti played significant roles, assisting in camera trap deployments and data analysis. This community engagement not only enhancements field operations but also fosters a sense of ownership in conservation efforts. Unlike the earlier survey which took three years, this comprehensive assessment was completed in just one year.
Furthermore, officials emphasized that the cost-effective survey established a scalable framework for long-term snow leopard monitoring in India. With this achievement, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to conduct a second statewide snow leopard assessment, setting a benchmark for wildlife conservation initiatives across the nation. With continued support, efforts to protect the snow leopard population can significantly contribute to the ecological balance of high-altitude ecosystems.
