Latest news with #SnowLeopardPopulationAssessmentinIndia
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
Rare snow leopard, the 'ghost of the mountains,' stuns tourists with majestic walk along Spiti road
Source: Instagram Rare snow leopard sight in Spiti Valley captured on video Glimpse of the snow leopard in the Himalayas Viral snow leopard sighting and its conservation concerns Social media reacts with awe and reflection on the rare snow leopard sighting Also Read | In an unexpected twist of fate, a group of tourists on a hike along the isolated but picturesque Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh came across something unusual: a snow leopard roaming along the road quite peacefully. This glorious sighting was made around 6 and 7 PM on May 5, 2025, and was captured on camera, which has since become a viral sensation on all social media platforms. The serene grace of the big cat took audience members by surprise into shock. The team was on the way from Kaza to Nako when, en route somewhere around the road near Tabo, the shy predator padded out of hiding behind the rocks, appearing, it seemed, out of nowhere by magic. Wrapped in a white and grey coat so well camouflaged with its surroundings, the snow leopard strode down the roadside without concern, unfazed by the vehicle video, shared by tourist Jatin Gupta , captures the snow leopard striding steadily in the lead, and the tourists' muted voices heard in the distance. One person, in reverence and concern, is heard to say, "Wo bhaag rahi hai hamse," as they remark on the cat attempting to back utters a cautious warning, "Sheesha tod sakti hai," and cautions to remain at arm's length lest they provoke the creature. Even as the tourists stand in close proximity, the snow leopard gives little heed to the car, pausing for an instant before continuing its solitary path through the empty, high-altitude landscape. Gupta's caption captures the group's collective wonder so well: "We saw something unforgettable… These rare animals are seldom spotted, especially in May. A pure magical moment of our trip."The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is one of the most elusive big cats of the world. These grand cats live in Central and South Asian alpine and subalpine zones, i.e., India's Himalayas, between an altitude of 3,000 to 4,500 meters. The global population of snow leopards has been estimated to be below 10,000 individuals, and in India, recent estimates under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme reported as low as 718 snow leopards throughout the country, with only 51 present in Himachal Pradesh. The numbers render them very rare, and a sighting of these animals is rare enough in itself. Even experienced wildlife photographers may spend months braving harsh weather conditions in order to catch a glimpse of the snow leopard, and that fleeting glance by the tourists was therefore an instance of good luck of heroic video immediately went viral when it was posted on the internet and earned admiration from individuals across the world. The audience chimed in to call it a lifetime moment. "You guys are damn lucky! To catch the ghost of the mountains like that—on the road—is just not real," one commenter wrote. Others attributed the tourists with good fortune, with one joking, "Ghost of the mountains," as they understand the snow leopard to be legendary. But amid the admiration came some concern, too, for the dangers in revealing the location of such scarce sightings. The snow leopard, as a vulnerable species , is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human intervention. Conservationists caution that revealing exact locations could inadvertently benefit poachers, endangering the species further. Consequently, there is increasing demand for responsible tourism, urging tourists to be respectful of nature and avoid disturbing fragile the video became viral on social media, netizens overwhelmed the comments with awe and reflective concern. Some commented that they were in awe of the experience, calling it a rare and magical moment. "Once-in-a-lifetime experience," remarked one commenter. Others said how rare it is to sight the snow leopard, mentioning how even experienced photographers spend months navigating rough terrain simply to spot a glimpse of the animal. And yet, they speculated about the snow leopard's peaceful nature as well as how it appears to exist in low altitudes. There were questions whether the creature's behavior itself would be a sign of the animal's wellness or age. Whatever, the overall atmosphere was one of gratitude and awe at the unusual glimpse into the existence of such a majestic animal.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Ghost of the mountains' spotted in Spiti: Tourists capture rare snow leopard on camera in thrilling encounter
While road-tripping through Himachal's Spiti Valley, a group of stunned tourists captured a rare sight—an elusive snow leopard calmly walking alongside their car. The majestic creature, often called the 'ghost of the mountains,' appeared unbothered, offering a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the wild. The video has since gone viral, evoking awe and concern from nature lovers online. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Nature's Rarity Caught on Camera Why This Sighting Is So Special Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Viral Moment, A Gentle Warning Netizens React: A Mix of Awe and Concern A Memory for a Lifetime In an astonishing twist of fate, a group of tourists driving through the breathtaking yet desolate landscapes of Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley stumbled upon a sight most people only dream of—an elusive snow leopard calmly walking along the road. The encounter, which took place on May 5, 2025, between 6 and 7 PM, was recorded in a video that has now gone viral on social media, leaving viewers stunned by the serene grace of the big from Kaza to Nako, the group was somewhere near Tabo when the rare predator emerged from the rocky terrain, almost as if materializing out of thin air. Cloaked in a coat of white and grey that mirrored its surroundings, the snow leopard—often dubbed the ghost of the mountains —padded along the roadside, seemingly unfazed by the trailing clip, shared online by traveller Jatin Gupta, shows the leopard walking steadily ahead while the tourists whisper in awe, their voices a mix of wonder and caution. 'Wo bhaag rahi hai hamse,' one person is heard saying, referring to the cat's gentle attempt to distance itself. Another warns, 'Sheesha tod sakti hai,' advising not to get too close to avoid provoking the the proximity, the snow leopard barely acknowledges the vehicle behind it, pausing only briefly before continuing its solitary march through the barren high-altitude landscape. Gupta's caption summed up the group's collective wonder: 'We witnessed something unforgettable… These rare creatures are hardly ever seen, especially in May. Truly a magical moment of our journey.'Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are among the most elusive big cats in the world. Native to the alpine and subalpine zones of Central and South Asia, including India's Himalayan regions, they are typically found at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 meters. Their population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 mature individuals worldwide, and in India, recent counts under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme found only 718 across the country—with just 51 in Himachal magnificent animals are often referred to as "ghosts" for a reason. Even seasoned wildlife photographers spend months in harsh terrain waiting for a glimpse. For a group of casual travellers to witness one out in the open—and on a road—is an extraordinary stroke of the video circulated online, it sparked a wave of admiration. One user commented, 'You guys are damn lucky! To witness the ghost of the mountains like this—on the road—is unreal.' Others, however, raised valid concerns. Sharing exact locations of such sightings, they warned, could unintentionally aid snow leopard remains a vulnerable species, with its existence threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human interference. Conservationists urge caution while sharing such videos, encouraging responsible tourism that respects the fragile balance of the video gained traction online, netizens flooded the comments with admiration and astonishment. Many hailed it as the "rarest experience," calling the sighting a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment and praising the tourists' luck. 'Ghost of the mountains,' wrote one user, echoing the awe surrounding the snow leopard's mythical status. Another pointed out the rarity of such encounters, noting how even seasoned wildlife photographers spend months waiting for a however, raised thoughtful concerns about the leopard's behaviour—its calm demeanour and presence at lower altitudes sparking speculation about its health or age. Nonetheless, the collective sentiment was clear: this was a magical, unforgettable brush with the those lucky tourists in Spiti, the brief encounter was more than just a story for the road. It was a once-in-a-lifetime brush with wild majesty—a reminder that sometimes, nature reveals its wonders not with a roar, but with a quiet, powerful grace. In a world constantly racing forward, the snow leopard asks us to pause, look, and sometimes, magic walks right past you on the road.
