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Context:
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has recorded 83 snow leopards in its latest 2025 survey, showing a significant rise from 51 individuals reported in 2021. The increase reflects ongoing conservation success under India’s Project Snow Leopard and improved habitat monitoring through scientific tracking methods.
About the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
- A large, elusive wild cat native to the high-altitude regions of Asia.
- Often called the “ghost of the mountains” for its remarkable camouflage and stealthy movement.
- Declared the State Animal of Himachal Pradesh.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU)
- CITES Appendix I: Trade strictly prohibited.
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed in Schedule I, offering the highest level of protection.
Key Conservation Initiatives in India
- Project Snow Leopard (2009):
- A central government initiative promoting landscape-level conservation across five Himalayan states.
- SECURE Himalaya Project:
- Jointly implemented by the Government of India and UNDP, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in snow leopard habitats.
- Himalayan Wildlife Surveys:
- Use of camera traps, genetic sampling, and AI-based tracking for accurate population assessments.