Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards

Context: A team of scientists recently uncovered a significant population of snow leopards in Jammu and Kashmir\'s Kishtwar High Altitude National Park. This discovery sheds light on a lesser-known group of these apex predators, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitat and ensure their survival in India.

About:

Significance of the Sighting:

• Snow leopards are considered apex predators and flagship species in High Mountain Asia, playing a critical role in ecosystem health.
• India\'s position as a habitat for 2% of the global snow leopard range underscores the country\'s importance in global conservation efforts.
• The occupancy and abundance of snow leopards across their Indian range remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for more research and conservation initiatives.
• Most snow leopards in India reside in areas without legal protection, exposing them to various threats. Findings from the Discovery:
• Snow leopards were sighted at altitudes ranging from 3,004 to 3,878 meters, primarily in an arid alpine region above the treeline.
• The habitat consists of steep, rugged terrain with high-altitude pastures dominated by junipers, grasses, and legumes on rolling hills.
• Anthropogenic pressures, particularly from livestock grazing, were observed in certain areas, posing threats to habitat integrity and prey availability.

Potential Impacts:

• Increased anthropogenic activities like livestock grazing can lead to habitat degradation and prey depletion, potentially driving snow leopards and their prey into suboptimal areas.
• This scenario increases the risk of human-wildlife conflicts and exposes snow leopards to additional threats, such as poaching or habitat loss.