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Snow Leopard Population Assessment

Context:

  • 44 snow leopards are present in Himachal Pradesh, as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment.

What are the key findings of Snow Leopard Population Assessment?

  • Survey Methodology: The study used camera traps to survey a vast area of the snow leopard’s habitat and also assessed the population of their prey species. 
  • Hotspots of Snow Leopards: The highest densities of snow leopards were found in the trans-Himalayan regions of Spiti and Pin valley. 
  • Community Involvement: The report emphasises the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts. 
  • Wild-Prey Population: The trans-Himalayan region also supports the highest densities of wild prey. 
    • For Example: The estimate of blue sheep population size was 891 for Spiti, and the ibex population size estimate was 224 for the Pin valley.

About Snow Leopard

  • Geographical Spread:  Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, besides Himachal Pradesh. 
  • Threat: Habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change and pollution are having an unprecedented impact on the snow leopard worldwide.
  • Protection Status:
    • Appendix I : Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
    • Schedule I:  Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

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  • Snow Leopard Conservation Initiatives
    • Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme: India has been part of it since 2013.
    • HimalSanrakshak: Launched in 2020 as a community volunteer programme, to protect snow leopards.
    • Project Snow Leopard (PSL): It aims to promote an inclusive approach to conserve snow leopards.
  • Significance: It serves as an indicator of the health of the Himalayan ecosystems in terms of climate change and biodiversity.

News Source: Economic Times

Prelims Question (2020)

Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?

1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Gangotri National Park

3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Manas National Park

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Ans: (a)

 

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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