Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Context: A new Himachal Pradesh Forest Department survey recorded 83 snow leopards in the state, up from 51 in 2021.

About:
The snow leopard, often called the “ghost of the mountains” for its camouflage and elusive nature, is the State Animal of Himachal Pradesh and a key indicator of high-altitude ecosystem health.

Distribution:

• Found in the mountains of Central & South Asia across 12 countries (Afghanistan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, etc.).
• In India: Present in the Western Himalayas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and the Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh).
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU).

Key Characteristics:

• Physical: Thick white-grey fur with dark rosettes provides camouflage; strong hind legs allow leaps up to six times body length.
• Diet: Carnivorous—hunts blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, marmots, pikas, hares, and other alpine prey.
• Territory: Requires vast ranges due to scarce prey (from 5 sq. miles in Nepal to 190+ sq. miles in Mongolia).
• Behaviour: Solitary and territorial; mothers rear cubs alone. Prefers cold deserts and rugged high slopes (3,000–5,500 m). Mostly nocturnal and shy, making sightings rare.