India’s first Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) has estimated 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas, including 477 in Ladakh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh announced on International Snow Leopard Day.
The assessment highlights India’s efforts to monitor and protect the elusive high-altitude species, popularly known as the “Ghost of the Mountains”.
According to the first SPAI assessment, Ladakh accounts for 477 of the estimated 718 snow leopards recorded across the Indian Himalayan region.
The findings provide an important baseline for understanding the species’ distribution and supporting future conservation planning.
Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting snow leopards through habitat conservation and community participation.
Marking International Snow Leopard Day, Singh said India remained committed to protecting biodiversity and safeguarding wildlife in high-altitude ecosystems.
He also highlighted the importance of conserving the snow leopard’s natural habitat and involving local communities in conservation efforts.
Protecting these landscapes is important not only for the species but also for the broader ecosystems of the Himalayan region.
Separately, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that India had extended privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), its representatives and officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.
The decision was formalised through a Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Yadav said the move would support the alliance’s work as a global platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building in big cat conservation.
The IBCA aims to strengthen international collaboration through coordinated conservation initiatives and scientific knowledge sharing.
