World Snow Leopard Day is celebrated on October 23 of every year.

• It was started in 2013, following the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in Kyrgyzstan where 12 countries that host snow leopard populations agreed to collaborate in their conservation efforts. 

About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

• Geographical Spread: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 
• Distribution: Closely aligned with the distribution of their main prey species, such as the ibex and blue sheep (bharal).
• State Animal: Recognized as the state animal of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh in India.
• Adaptations: Known as the “ghosts of the mountains” for their elusive nature and ability to camouflage. 
• Behaviour: Unlike other big cats, snow leopards do not roar; instead, they communicate through growls, hisses, meows, and a unique sound called a “chuff.” 
• They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Typically solitary, much like other cat species.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Listed as Vulnerable.
  • CITES: Included in Appendix I.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I for the highest protection.

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Ecological Role of Snow Leopards

• Controlling Prey Populations: As apex predators, snow leopards play a critical role in regulating herbivore populations, such as ibex and blue sheep.
  • This regulation prevents overgrazing, which helps protect mountain vegetation and prevents soil erosion in delicate alpine environments.
• Supporting Biodiversity: By managing herbivore numbers, snow leopards indirectly support plant diversity, allowing a variety of flora, insects, and animals to thrive. 
  • This fosters a balanced ecosystem and sustains biodiversity across the region.
• Sustaining the Food Chain: After making a kill, snow leopards leave remains that serve as food for scavengers like vultures, wolves, and smaller carnivores, contributing to the wider food web.
• Indicator Species: As indicator species, the health of snow leopard populations reflects the ecological integrity of their habitats.
  • Healthy snow leopard populations signal a well-balanced ecosystem, including stable prey species and vegetation.

Status of Snow Leopard in India

• Population: According to the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, there are an estimated 718 snow leopards in India.
• Population Distribution by State:
  • Ladakh (477) > Uttarakhand (124) > Himachal Pradesh:(51) > Arunachal Pradesh (36) > Sikkim (21)> Jammu and Kashmir (9) 
• Conservation Efforts: The Government of India has designated the snow leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude Himalayan ecosystem.
• Hemis National Park: Located in Ladakh, it is often referred to as the “Snow Leopard Capital of the World” due to its high snow leopard population.

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