How many Snow Leopards are left in the India? Recent Reports

The snow leopard census in India carried out between 2019 and 2023, disclosed a total of 718 snow leopards in the country. This extensive survey encompasses more than 70% of their likely range, signifying a notable augmentation in initial data for 80%, in contrast to the 56% recorded in 2016.

The outcomes of this study form a pivotal groundwork for conservation initiatives, offering valuable perspectives on the endangered species’ distribution throughout its Indian habitat.

Aim of the Report

• Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program.

• First-ever scientific exercise

• Conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with collaboration from snow leopard range states and conservation partners.

India's snow leopard census, conducted from 2019 to 2023, revealed a population of 718 snow leopards in India. This covers over 70% of their potential range, marking an increase in preliminary information for 80% compared to 56% in 2016. The survey's findings serve as a crucial… pic.twitter.com/GtWMIOb7ap

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 31, 2024

Key Points

Population Assessment

• SPAI was conducted from 2019 to 2023.
• 718 snow leopards were reported in India.
• Collaboration with Nature Conservation Foundation and WWF-India.

Geographical Coverage

• SPAI covered over 70% of the snow leopard range in India (approx. 120,000 km²).

• Including UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Two-Step Framework

Spatial Distribution Evaluation:

• Occupancy-based sampling approach.
• Surveyed 13,450 km of trails.
• Camera traps deployed at 1,971 locations for 180,000 trap nights.
• 241 unique Snow leopards were photographed.
• Occupancy was recorded in 93,392 km², with an estimated presence in 100,841 km².

Abundance Estimation:

• Used camera traps in identified stratified regions.
• Estimated population of 718 snow leopards in different states/UTs.

Population Distribution

• Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), J & K (9).

Research Attention

• Before 2016, one-third (ca. 100,347 km²) of the range received minimal research attention.

• Recent status surveys increased understanding, providing preliminary information for 80% of the range (about 79,745 km²), compared to 56% in 2016.

Recommendations

• Establishment of a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under MoEFCC.

• Focus on long-term population monitoring with well-structured study designs and consistent field surveys.

• States and UTs advised to consider a periodic population estimation approach (every 4th year) in the Snow leopard range.

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