Description

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Context

The Union Territory of Ladakh is home to the highest recorded density of snow leopards in the world, with nearly 68 per cent of India’s population of the elusive big cat found in the Union Territory, according to a new study.

Snow Leopard

Taxonomy and Physical Description

Attribute	Details
Scientific Name	Panthera uncia
Family	Felidae
Conservation Status	Vulnerable (IUCN Red List, 2017)
Habitat	High-altitude mountains (3,000–5,500 m)
Physical Traits	Thick fur, long tail, pale smoky-gray coat with black rosettes and spots

Global Distribution

Found in 12 countries across Central and South Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

Estimated global population: 3,500 to 7,000 individuals.

Snow Leopard in India

Attribute	Details
Estimated Population (2025)	709 individuals
States/UTs with presence	Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh
Highest Density Region	Ladakh 477 individuals (≈ 68%)
Protected Areas	Hemis National Park, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
Hemis National Park Density	2.07 individuals/100 km² — Highest in the world
Previous Global High	1.06–1.84/100 km² (Tibet)
Lowest Density in Ladakh	Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Reasons for High Density in Ladakh

Factor	Description
Cultural Reverence	Buddhist values discourage killing; snow leopards seen as part of ecosystem
Prey Abundance	Blue sheep, ibex, urial, domestic livestock
Rugged Terrain and Low Human Density	Reduces human-wildlife conflict
Community Involvement	Local participation in eco-tourism, protection measures
Government Support	Ladakh Wildlife Department's long-term conservation programs

Role of Protected Areas in Ladakh

Metric	Details
% of individuals with core activity in PAs	~39% (~185 snow leopards)
% of individuals using PAs for movement	~57%

Broader Conservation Programs in India

Project Snow Leopard (2009)

Aims to promote conservation in five Himalayan states

Landscape-level, participatory approach

SECURE Himalaya Project (UNDP-GEF)

Focuses on securing livelihoods and biodiversity in high-altitude areas.

Sources:

DOWNTOEARTH

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the snow leopard in India:

The highest density of snow leopards ever recorded globally has been observed in Ladakh's Hemis National Park.
Snow leopards are currently classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
The conservation success in Ladakh is largely attributed to a combination of cultural values, low human density and active community involvement.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct

As per the recent peer-reviewed study published in PLOS ONE (2025) Hemis National Park in Ladakh recorded a snow leopard density of 2.07 individuals per 100 km², the highest ever recorded in the world, surpassing earlier densities from Tibet (1.06–1.84 per 100 km²).

Statement 2 is incorrect

Snow leopards were downlisted from Endangered to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List in 2017.

This decision was controversial with experts warning that the downlisting may have been based on incomplete or inconsistent data and could hinder future conservation efforts.

Statement 3 is correct

The high density of snow leopards in Ladakh is credited to multiple factors

The cultural values of Ladakhi people that discourage hunting,

Low human population density in the region,

Availability of wild and domestic prey,

Community-led conservation, especially involving local pastoralists,

Consistent efforts by the Ladakh Wildlife Department.