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 (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu & Kashmir (9).
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 occupancy-based sampling, sign surveys, and camera-trap-based abundance estimation.
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Frequently asked questions
What did India's first Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India find?
India's **National Snow Leopard Census** recorded **718 snow leopards** across the Himalayan states. **Ladakh leads with 477**, while Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim account for the remaining 241 individuals.
Is 718 snow leopards a good or concerning number for India's conservation?
The **718 count is a positive baseline** — higher than previous estimates — reflecting the effectiveness of India's conservation programs. However, the species remains **Vulnerable globally** (IUCN) and continued habitat protection is critical to sustaining these numbers.
What habitat do snow leopards occupy in India?
Snow leopards occupy **high-altitude alpine and sub-alpine habitats** above 3,000 metres in the Himalayas and Trans-Himalayan ranges, including cold deserts, rocky terrain, and grasslands in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
How does India's snow leopard population affect Himalayan ecosystem health?
As an **apex predator**, the snow leopard maintains **ecological balance** in Himalayan ecosystems by controlling prey populations (blue sheep, ibex, marmots). A healthy snow leopard population indicates a functioning Himalayan food web.
What is India's international commitment to snow leopard conservation?
India is a signatory to the **Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)**, launched in 2013, which commits range countries to securing **20 snow leopard landscapes** globally by 2020 and beyond through coordinated conservation.
