India celebrated International Snow Leopard Day on October 23 with the '#23for23' campaign while referring to the already released first nationwide Snow Leopard Census, recording 718 individuals across the Indian Himalayas. The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with fieldwork from 2019-2023 covering 70% of potential habitat. Camera traps at 1,971 locations ran for 180,000 trap nights, photographing 241 unique individuals. State-wise distribution: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), Jammu & Kashmir (9). India's 718 snow leopards represent roughly 11-18% of the global population of 4,000-6,500.
India Unveils First National Snow Leopard Census: 718 Individuals Recorded Across Himalayas
India's first snow leopard census recorded 718 individuals; Ladakh tops with 477; represents 11-18% of global population.
Key facts
- First-ever national Snow Leopard Census recorded 718 individuals across Indian Himalayas
- SPAI conducted by WII under MoEFCC with fieldwork 2019-2023; camera traps at 1,971 locations for 180,000 trap nights
- State-wise distribution: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), HP (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), J&K (9)
- India's 718 snow leopards represent 11-18% of global population of 4,000-6,500
- International Snow Leopard Day celebrated on October 23 with #23for23 campaign
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India's first-ever national Snow Leopard Census recorded 718 individuals. Which region had the highest snow leopard population?
Ladakh had the highest snow leopard population with 477 individuals out of 718 recorded nationally, followed by Uttarakhand (124) and Himachal Pradesh. The census was conducted by WII under MoEFCC using camera traps at 1,971 locations over 180,000 trap nights.
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Frequently asked questions
What did India's first National Snow Leopard Census reveal?
India's first **National Snow Leopard Census** revealed a total of **718 snow leopards** across the Indian Himalayas. **Ladakh leads with 477**, followed by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
Why was this snow leopard census India's first national effort?
Previous snow leopard population estimates in India were based on **limited local surveys** and extrapolations. The 2025 census was the **first systematic, methodology-standardised national survey** using camera traps and DNA analysis across all Himalayan states.
What states were included in India's snow leopard census?
India's national snow leopard census covered all five Himalayan snow leopard range states: **Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim**, providing state-wise population data for targeted conservation.
What is the significance of 718 snow leopards for India's biodiversity?
The **718 snow leopard count** places India among the top nations for this iconic Himalayan predator. It provides a baseline for future population trends, supports conservation funding arguments, and validates Project Snow Leopard's effectiveness.
How does India's snow leopard count compare with other countries?
With **718 snow leopards**, India is among the top countries in terms of snow leopard population, alongside **China (estimated 2,000+), Mongolia (approximately 1,000)**, and Russia. India's Ladakh is considered one of the world's densest snow leopard habitats.
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