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Snow Leopard

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Snow Leopard

Introduction

Known as the “Ghost of the Mountains”, snow leopards are one of the most elusive big cats in the world.They are found in the high-altitude mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.

Characteristics

  • Snow leopards are considered medium-sized cats standing about 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 30-55kg. 
  • Their exquisite, smoky-grey fur is patterned with dark-grey to black rosettes which helps to camouflage them against rocky slopes. 
  • The species usually mate between January and March, a time when both sexes mark their territories intensively leaving signs such as scrapes, faeces, urine and scent-spray in prominent locations along their travel routes.
  • The animal is most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular behaviour). 
  • Like most species of cats, snow leopards are solitary animals, though sometimes male and female pairs might be seen together during mating season.

Habitat and Distribution

  • Snow leopards prefer steep, rugged terrains with rocky outcrops and ravines and are usually found at an elevation of 3,000-5,000 metres or higher in the Himalayas. Such habitat provides good cover and a clear view to help them sneak up on their prey.
  • Snow leopards live in the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia. 
  • India: In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas, including the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas. 
  • Global: 12 countries including China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan.

Conservation Status

  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I

Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)

  • The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) began in 2019 and involved the World Wide Fund for Nature-India and the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, along with the Wildlife Institute of India.
  • SPAI Program is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports Snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India. 
  • The maximum number of cats were estimated to be in Ladakh (477), followed by Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).
  • The current estimate puts the number of Indian snow leopards from 10-15% of the global population.

In 2024, the General Assembly proclaimed 23 October as International Day of the Snow Leopard in order to enhance international and regional cooperation in support of efforts to conserve the snow leopard, given its role in the overall ecosystem.

Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program

  • It is an unprecedented alliance of all snow leopard range countries, non-governmental organizations, multi-lateral institutions, scientists and local communities, united by one goal: saving the snow leopard and its mountain ecosystems.
  • Launched in 2013 at the Global Snow Leopard Forum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
  • Joint initiative of the 12 snow leopard range countries to secure the future of the species and its high-mountain ecosystems.
  • India is a key member.
  • Members (12 Range Countries)
    • Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
  • GSLEP Priorities
    • Disrupting poaching and illegal trade of snow leopards and their prey species across national borders and sectors, including reduction of demand and enforcement of existing wildlife laws.
    • Research and monitoring to evaluate and map current status of key snow leopard habitats and populations
    • Engaging local communities in conservation, including promoting sustainable livelihoods, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
    • Climate-Smart Management Planning
    • Capacity Building
    • Resource Mobilization
    • Transboundary management and enforcement to improve coordination between range countries and combat wildlife trafficking

FAQs 

Q1. Why is the Snow Leopard called the ‘Ghost of the Mountains’?

Because of its elusive nature, solitary lifestyle, excellent camouflage, and high-altitude rocky terrain, it is rarely sighted, earning it this nickname.

Q2. Where is the snow leopard found in India?

Snow leopards are found in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Q3. What is the IUCN conservation status of the snow leopard?

The snow leopard is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List and included in Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in India.

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