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718 Ghosts of the Mountains Roam India
14 Dec
Summary
- Around 718 snow leopards inhabit India, with Ladakh having the largest population.
- Snow leopards are masters of camouflage, making them incredibly difficult to spot.
- 'Project Snow Leopard' is ongoing to conserve these elusive mountain cats.
Approximately 718 snow leopards are estimated to live in India, with Ladakh being a significant stronghold, housing around 477 of these elusive big cats. The species' natural camouflage and preference for vast, remote mountain terrains make them incredibly difficult to track and count accurately.
Other regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir also host snow leopard populations, though smaller. Himachal Pradesh, in particular, has seen an increase in its estimated numbers. These animals thrive in high-altitude, rocky environments, making areas like Ladakh's Hemis National Park prime habitat.
Conservation initiatives, such as the government's 'Project Snow Leopard' and large-scale monitoring using camera traps, are vital for understanding and protecting these endangered 'ghosts of the mountains.' Their presence is a key indicator of the health of high-altitude ecosystems.
