83 snow leopards and rare species discovered in Himachal’s trans-Himalayas

By A Representative

The Wildlife Wing of the has announced the results of the second state-wide population assessment, confirming a robust population of 83 snow leopards across the state’s high-altitude landscapes. Conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Wildlife Wing, with support from the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) and , the survey was completed in just one year, making Himachal the only Indian state to achieve a second state-wide assessment of this keystone species.

Using the Snow Leopard Population Assessment of India (SPAI) protocol, aligned with the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), the survey employed large-scale camera trapping across six representative sites spanning 26,000 km² of snow leopard habitat. It detected 44 unique adult snow leopards, consistent with the 2021 assessment, captured in 262 photographs, leading to an estimated population of 83 snow leopards (excluding cubs), with a range of 67–103, compared to 51 (range 44–73) previously. The trans-Himalayan regions of , , Upper , and recorded the highest density, ranging from 0.16 to 0.53 individuals per 100 km². The potential population increase may reflect refined survey methods, shorter data-collection periods, and improved prey availability.

The survey also documented the first official record of in Kinnaur and the rediscovery of the in Lahaul. Updated distribution maps were generated for key prey species like , , and , alongside other mammals such as the , , , , , , and .

The survey’s completion in one year, compared to three years for the 2021 assessment, sets a new standard for scalable, cost-effective wildlife monitoring. The methodology involved habitat stratification using occupancy surveys, followed by camera trapping in stratified zones, with refinements from the first survey to minimize bias. This has transitioned Himachal Pradesh from contributing to the global Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards (PAWS) to the Continuous Long-term Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards (CLAWS). , Executive Director of GSLEP, noted that snow leopards, as apex predators, serve as a thermometer of ecosystem health, making continuous monitoring crucial for addressing threats.

The success is rooted in collaboration with local communities, including eight youth from in Spiti, 20 frontline officers from the Spiti Forest Division, and 15 community members. An indigenous women’s team from Kibber participated in data analysis, marking a global first in community-based conservation. , Deputy Conservator of Forests (Spiti), highlighted the teamwork across tough landscapes, noting that the findings confirm healthy snow leopard populations and remarkable biodiversity. Preeti Bhandari, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), emphasized improved monitoring capacity and growing trust with communities.

The trans-Himalayan region, vulnerable to climate change, relies on tracking keystone species like the snow leopard to monitor ecosystem shifts. , Programme Manager at NCF, stressed the importance of collaborations with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, local communities, Royal Enfield Social Mission, and the Snow Leopard Trust for participatory research and conservation. , Director of , underscored the power of collaborative conservation in safeguarding the snow leopard and its habitat.

While most detections occurred within protected areas like , , , and , many were recorded outside these zones, highlighting the role of communities in habitat protection. , Chief Wildlife Warden, emphasized the urgency of conservation, noting the Wildlife Wing’s critical role in protecting snow leopards and other species facing extinction.

Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Keystone Species Project extends to the Himalayan brown bear and golden langur, fostering human-animal harmony through wildlife conservation and nature-linked livelihoods. Its broader initiatives, including The Himalayan Knot, The Himalayan Hub, Green Pit Stops, and The Great Himalayan Exploration, aim to build climate resilience across 100 Himalayan communities by 2030. This second assessment sets a global benchmark for wildlife monitoring, showcasing the power of science, community collaboration, and innovative conservation strategies.

---

Images credite: Wildlife Wing, Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF)

Comments

Academics urge Azim Premji University to drop FIR against Student Reading Circle

By A Representative A group of academics and civil society members has issued an open letter to the leadership of Azim Premji University expressing concern over the filing of a police complaint that led to an FIR against a student-run reading circle following a recent incident of violence on campus. The signatories state that they hold the university in high regard for its commitment to constitutional values, critical inquiry and ethical public engagement, and argue that it is precisely because of this reputation that the present development is troubling.

'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

UAPA action against Telangana activist: Criminalising legitimate democratic activity?

By A Representative The National Investigation Agency's Hyderabad branch has issued notices to more than ten individuals in Telangana in connection with FIR No. RC-04/2025. Those served include activists, former student leaders, civil rights advocates, poets, writers, retired schoolteachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress.

Vaccination vs screening: Policy questions raised on cervical cancer strategy

By A Representative A public policy expert has written to Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda raising a series of concerns regarding the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign launched on February 28 for 14-year-old girls.

The new anti-national certificate: If Arundhati Roy is the benchmark, count me in

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava* Dear MANIT Alumni Network Committee, “Are you anti-national?” I encountered this fascinating—some may say intimidating—question from an elderly woman I barely know, an alumna of Maulana Azad College of Technology (MACT, now Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology - MANIT), Bhopal, and apparently one of the founders of the MACT (now MANIT) Alumni Network. The authority with which she posed the question was striking. “How much anti-national are you? What have you done for the Alumni Network Committee to identify you as anti-national?” When I asked what “anti-national” meant to her and who was busy certifying me as such, the response came in counter-questions.

Minority concerns mount: RTI reveals govt funded Delhi religious meet in December

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India. A recent flashpoint was the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.

Development vs community: New coal politics and old conflicts in Madhya Pradesh

By Deepmala Patel* The Singrauli region of Madhya Pradesh, often described as “India’s energy capital,” has for decades been a hub of coal mining and thermal power generation. Today, the Dhirouli coal mine project in this district has triggered widespread protests among local communities. In recent years, the project has generated intense controversy, public opposition, and significant legal and social questions. This is not merely a dispute over one mine; it raises a larger question—who pays the price for energy development? Large corporate beneficiaries or the survival of local communities?

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

From neglect to progress: The story of Ranavara’s community-led development

By Bharat Dogra Visitors to Ranavara, a remote village in Kherwara block of Udaipur district, are often surprised by its multi-dimensional progress. The village today is known for its impressive school building, regenerated pastures, expanded tree cover, and extensive water conservation and supply works. These achievements are the outcome of sustained community efforts over several years, demonstrating how small, consistent initiatives can lead to significant change.

Search This Blog