Published: 23 October 2025General
National Snow Leopard Census Records 718 Individuals Across Indian Himalayas
India unveiled its first-ever national Snow Leopard Census under the '#23for23' campaign, recording 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas. Ladakh recorded the highest population with 477 individuals, followed by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The census is part of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP). Snow leopards, classified as Vulnerable by IUCN, are found across 12 range countries in Central and South Asia. India's Project Snow Leopard was launched in 2009 and the species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The census used camera traps, DNA analysis, and community surveys.
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Linked questionMedium
India's Project Snow Leopard was launched in which year to conserve the snow leopard and its habitat?
Explanation · Correct answer BIndia's Project Snow Leopard was launched in 2009. Snow leopards are classified as Vulnerable by IUCN and are found across 12 range countries in Central and South Asia. They are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
Frequently asked questions
What was the total snow leopard count in India's national census?
India's **National Snow Leopard Census** recorded **718 individual snow leopards** across the Indian Himalayan states, with Ladakh accounting for the largest share at 477, followed by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
How was India's snow leopard census conducted across the Himalayas?
The snow leopard census used **occupancy-based sign surveys and camera-trap-based abundance estimation**, and trained wildlife field staff across high-altitude zones in **Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim**.
What percentage of global snow leopards does India's 718 represent?
India's **718 snow leopards** represent approximately **12-18% of the global wild snow leopard population**, estimated at 4,000–6,500 individuals, making India a critical range country for this endangered big cat.
What conservation programs does India have for snow leopards?
India runs **Project Snow Leopard (PSL)**, launched in 2009, a conservation programme focusing on **habitat protection, community involvement, anti-poaching measures, and landscape-level management** for snow leopard conservation in the Himalayas.
Why is Ladakh the most important snow leopard habitat in India?
**Ladakh** hosts **477 of India's 718 snow leopards** (66%) due to its vast high-altitude terrain, abundant prey species (blue sheep, ibex), minimal human disturbance in remote valleys, and effective conservation management.
