Snow Leopard Census 2024 (SPAI Program)

  • Post category:Environment

Overview

  • India’s first scientific, nationwide snow leopard population estimation (2019–2023).
  • Released Jan 30, 2024 by MoEFCC at the National Board for Wildlife meeting.
  • Coordinated by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with WWF-India & Nature Conservation Foundation.

Objectives

  • Estimate population & map distribution.
  • Provide scientific data for conservation strategy & policy.
  • Establish baseline for long-term monitoring.

Key Findings

  • Population: 718 snow leopards.
  • Range: ~120,000 km² in Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Largest Population: Ladakh (477).
  • First assessment covering >70% of potential range.

Methodology

  • Step 1: Occupancy-based surveys (habitat mapping, prey availability).
  • Step 2: Camera trapping in stratified zones.
    • 13,450 km surveyed; 1,971 trap sites; 180,000 trap nights.
    • 241 unique individuals photographed.

State-wise Population

  • Ladakh – 477
  • Uttarakhand – 124
  • Himachal Pradesh – 51
  • Arunachal Pradesh – 36
  • Sikkim – 21
  • J&K – 9

Challenges

  • Habitat loss (infrastructure, climate change).
  • Human-wildlife conflict (livestock predation).
  • Poaching & illegal wildlife trade.
  • Climate impacts on prey and habitat.
  • Data gaps in remote areas.

Recommendations

  • Snow Leopard Cell at WII for monitoring & coordination.
  • Periodic Census every 4 years.
  • Enhance habitat connectivity via wildlife corridors.
  • Conflict mitigation (compensation schemes, sustainable livestock practices).
  • Strengthen anti-poaching with tech-based surveillance.
  • Promote eco-tourism with community involvement.
  • Develop climate-resilient conservation strategies.

Legal & Policy Framework

  • Wildlife Protection Act (1972) – legal protection.
  • National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–2031) – climate resilience focus.
  • Project Snow Leopard (2009) – community participation model.
  • GSLEP – transboundary conservation collaboration.

Future Goals

  • Short-Term (5 yrs): Establish Snow Leopard Cell, conduct 4-yearly census, enhance anti-poaching.
  • Long-Term (10–20 yrs): Ensure habitat connectivity, community-led conservation, climate-resilient ecosystems.