Syllabus:
GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Context:
India celebrated International Snow Leopard Day with the ‘#23for23’ initiative, encouraging citizens to dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile mountain habitats..
More on the News
- In 2024, the United Nation General Assembly proclaimed 23 October as International Day of the Snow Leopard in order to enhance international and regional cooperation in support of efforts to conserve the snow leopard, given its role in the overall ecosystem.
- The day reaffirms India’s commitment to the goals of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) and underscores the nation’s focus on science-based monitoring, habitat protection, and community participation to ensure the long-term survival of the vulnerable species.
About the ‘#23for23’ Initiative
Snow Leopard
Habitat and Distribution:
- The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) often called as “ghost of the mountains” inhabits the rugged ranges of 12 Asian countries including India.
- It has the lowest genetic diversity of any big cat species in the world, even lower than that of the dwindling cheetah.
- The total habitat covers about 7,72,204 square miles, with 60% in China, though over 70% of this range remains unexplored.
Range and Population Density:
- Home range size varies widely from 4.6–15.4 square miles in Nepal to over 193 square miles in Mongolia.
- Population density ranges from less than 0.1 to over 10 individuals per 38.6 square miles, depending on prey availability and habitat quality.
Threats and Conservation Concerns:
- Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, declining prey populations, illegal hunting and trade, and climate change.
Conservation Status:
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I.
- Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals: Appendix I.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable.
Population in India:
- According to the first ever snow leopard census, India has an estimated 718 snow leopards in the wild.
- The maximum number of cats were estimated to be in Ladakh (477), followed by Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51).
- The estimate puts the number of Indian snow leopards from 10-15% of the global population.