Ladakh home to India’s highest snow leopard population: Report
Leh/Jammu: The Union Territory of Ladakh hosts the largest population of snow leopards in India — about 477 out of the country’s total 718, according to the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Report 2024. The achievement marks a major milestone in Ladakh’s ongoing conservation efforts driven by local communities, scientific initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, officials said on Thursday.
They noted that Ladakh’s conservation model stands out globally, highlighting the success of community-led efforts in protecting endangered species.
“As the State animal of Ladakh, conserving the snow leopard is crucial for safeguarding the region’s unique high-altitude ecosystem,” said a senior official.
To mark International Snow Leopard Day, the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ladakh administration, organised an awareness programme in Leh. The event aimed to promote the protection and preservation of the elusive “ghost of the mountains.”
Officials said Ladakh’s 477 snow leopards account for nearly 68 per cent of India’s total population, giving the region one of the highest snow leopard densities in the world.
“This achievement reflects the strength of Ladakh’s collaborative conservation approach, combining community participation, scientific monitoring, and awareness initiatives,” they said, adding that the efforts have also boosted eco-tourism in the area.
The awareness event, held at the Rinchen Auditorium in Leh, was attended by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps; S. Rajesh, Chief Wildlife Conservator; and other civil and military dignitaries.
Lt Gen Bhalla commended the stakeholders for their dedication to snow leopard conservation and assured continued support from the Fire and Fury Corps. Rajesh, meanwhile, thanked the Army for engaging local communities, saying such initiatives would help ensure a safe and thriving habitat for snow leopards across Ladakh.
