Latest news with #SnowLeopardPopulationAssessmentinIndia
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Kishtwar Himalayas an important snow leopard habitat, flags survey
New Delhi: A three-year camera trapping study has confirmed year-round presence and breeding activity of snow leopards in Jammu & Kashmir, especially the significance of Kishtwar Himalayas that provide an important habitat for snow leopards and several other threatened mammals. The survey suggests year-round use of the landscape, a critical indicator of stable habitat and a resident population. Conducted between 2022 and 2025 across the Kishtwar Himalayas, the survey was launched under the nationwide Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) protocol. While earlier years confirmed the presence of snow leopards in the UT in summer and autumn, for the first time, the 2024–25 phase brought new insights — recording snow leopards during winter months in both Paddar (Jammu division) and Zojila (Kashmir division). This suggests year-round use of the landscape, a critical indicator of stable habitat and a resident population, the survey said. The survey also documented 16 mammal species, including the rare Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan wolf, common leopard, Kashmir musk deer, stone marten, pika, Asiatic ibex, and red fox. In some instances, both snow leopards and common leopards were detected at the same camera locations in Paddar, raising important questions about species interactions and the possible impact of climate change on range shifts, the authors said. 'We conducted systematic camera trapping across three sites in the Kishtwar landscape — Kishtwar HighAltitude National Park (KHANP), Paddar and Warwan. We detected a minimum of 12 individual snow leopards in 22 camera traps. Combining SECR estimates with raw counts from 2023, we estimate snow leopard numbers to be up to 20 adult individuals in our study area,' the report said. 'These findings reaffirm the importance of Jammu & Kashmir as a key snow leopard stronghold. It is time to treat the Kishtwar Himalayas not as isolated valleys, but as part of an interconnected conservation landscape,' said Shahid Hameed, Wildlife Research and Project Coordinator at NCF. 'Much of the credit must go to the continued commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department to conserve their high-altitude homes,' he added. With glacial melting in the Greater Himalayas occurring at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the planet, snow leopard habitat is severely threatened. This could potentially escalate the intensity and frequency of snow leopard and human interactions. Elaborate studies of human-snow leopard conflict, incorporating livestock-wild ungulate interactions and climate change, might also prove useful for snow leopard conservation, the study has flagged. The survey also included a landscape-level threat assessment based on interviews with over 300 households across Paddar, Warwan, Dacchan and Marwah. Livestock depredation and crop damage emerged as major challenges impacting the primary livelihood of the locals, with need for more context-specific mitigation strategies. These losses shape community attitudes towards wildlife and demand the need for conflict resolution interventions. HT reported on February 1, 2024, there are around 718 snow leopards in the country, the first ever population estimation exercise of the vulnerable species by the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program has found. During the assessment conducted from 2019 to 2023, a total of 241 unique Snow leopards were photographed. Based on the analysis, Ladakh has the highest estimated population of the animal (477) followed by Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Year-round presence: Snow leopards thriving in J&K, finds three-year study
Snow leopards or 'grey ghosts of the mountains', one of the world's most elusive big cats and hard to track, are silently not only surviving but thriving in Jammu and Kashmir, according to findings of a new survey. Camera traps have detected at least 12 adult snow leopards, with an estimated presence of up to 20 individuals. (HT photo) A landmark three-year camera-trapping study — a method used in wildlife research to remotely monitor animals using cameras, often placed in areas where they are difficult to observe directly — conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the wildlife protection department of Jammu and Kashmir has confirmed year-round presence and breeding activity of snow leopards in the Union Territory -- marking a significant breakthrough for high-altitude biodiversity conservation in India. Conducted between 2022 and 2025 across the Kishtwar Himalayas, the study was launched under the nationwide Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) protocol. 'Over 3,000 camera trap nights across Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), Paddar, and Zojila resulted in the identification of at least 12 adult snow leopards, with an estimated presence of up to 20 individuals,' said Shahid Hameed, wildlife research and project coordinator at NCF and one of the co-authors of the study. The presence of at least a mother with cubs in Kishtwar confirms that this is a breeding population,' adds Hameed. Snow leopards and their habitats currently face severe global threats, including rapid climate change, habitat degradation, prey depletion, retaliation due to livestock depredation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. According to the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP), the total snow leopard population in the world is roughly estimated at between 4,000 and 6,500. For India, the latest population estimate is 718, meaning India has around one-ninth of the total population of snow leopards. India had launched Project Snow Leopard in 2009 to save the elusive and vulnerable species. Weighing up to 75 kg (165 lb), the snow leopard has a thick, soft grey coat with ringed black spots to help it camouflage itself among rocks. 'The cat is rarely spotted and hardly photographed. Hence, little is known about it,' said Hameed, adding that previously, there was no verifiable source to confirm the presence of snow leopards, with surveys in the Western Himalayas being limited to Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, later surveys established the presence of snow leopards for the first time in the Union Territory of J-K. 'These findings reaffirm the importance of Jammu and Kashmir as a key snow leopard stronghold. It is time to treat the Kishtwar Himalayas not as isolated valleys, but as part of an interconnected conservation landscape,' added Hameed. The survey began in the year 2022 and confirmed the presence of snow leopards in Jammu and Kashmir, but the 2024-25 phase of the project brought new insights -- recording snow leopards during winter months in both Paddar (Jammu division) and Zojila (Kashmir division). This, the survey suggests, is year-round use of the landscape, a critical indicator of stable habitat and a resident population. Hameed explained that camera trapping is one of the methods to record wildlife without actually being present in the field. 'The camera trap does the job of a field observer. We strategically place these cameras in the field based on our understanding of the landscape and ecology/behaviour of our target animal. These cameras are triggered by motion, and once an animal passes in front of the camera, the sensor detects the motion and activates the camera to take photos,' said Hameed. 'We are now planning to fix a radio collar on some of the cats but it needs a lot of resources, funding and government approval,' he said. In 2022, an adult snow leopard - Panthera Uncia - was identified from pictures captured using infrared camera traps, in the upper Baltal-Zojila axis at a height of 3500-3800 metres above sea level which was the first evidence of the big cat in Kashmir. In 2012, two adult snow leopards were also caught on infrared cameras in Kargil district, then part of J&K. In 2022, wildlife protection authorities in J&K started a population census of snow leopards as part of the nationwide population assessment of the elusive species. Apart from snow leopards, the study also documented the presence of 16 other mammal species in the region, including the rare Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan wolf, common leopard, Kashmir musk deer, stone marten, pika, Asiatic ibex, and red fox, said Hameed.
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.
