- The Snow Leopard, also known as the ‘ounce,’ is a large feline species native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
- Its distinct white fur sets it apart, adorned with black spots around the head and neck, while the belly exhibits a whitish hue.
- With green or grey eyes, a domed forehead, and a short muzzle, this species features small rounded ears, broad paws for navigating snow, and a furry underside for enhanced grip and balance.
- Well-adapted to cold, mountainous terrains, the snow leopard possesses characteristics such as a bushy tail for balance, a large nasal cavity, and the ability to store fat in the tail for protection during sleep.
- Inhabitants of high-altitude regions, particularly in the Himalayan and trans-Himalayan areas above 2700 meters above sea level, snow leopards prey on Ghoral, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Tibetan Argali, Himalayan Ibex, Marmots, Pikas, and Hares.
- Despite their adaptability, snow leopards face threats such as poaching and habitat degradation, bringing them closer to human habitats.
- As a result, conflicts arise, especially during winter when the snow line descends to lower elevations.
- For those seeking glimpses of this elusive creature, the top three Indian national parks include Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, Ulley Valley in Ladakh, and Hemis National Park in Himachal Pradesh.
PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD
- Project Snow Leopard is a crucial initiative aimed at conserving the globally endangered Snow Leopard, which serves as a flagship species for mountain ecosystems.
- Launched in 2009 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the project adopts an inclusive, participatory, and landscape-based approach to safeguard Snow Leopards and their habitats in India.
- The primary objective of Project Snow Leopard is to promote biodiversity conservation through community engagement. Implemented in five Himalayan states — Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh — the project collaborates with the Wildlife Institute of India and the Nature Conservation Foundation based in Mysore.
- Employing a landscape approach, the project identifies core zones with high conservation values while ensuring sustainable development benefits for local communities in the larger landscape.
Focusing on careful and knowledge-based landscape management planning, Project Snow Leopard targets the conservation of various species, including Snow Leopards, Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Argali, Ladakh Urial, Chiru, Takin, Serow, and Musk Deer. In its initial phase, each state selects a biologically significant site to develop a science-based, participatory conservation program. The project plans to expand to additional sites in the future.
Objectives of Project Snow Leopard:
- Protect and conserve India’s high-altitude wildlife populations and habitats.
- Encourage participation in conservation policies and actions.
- Promote a knowledge-based and adaptive conservation framework.
- Involve local communities fully in conservation efforts within the snow leopard’s range.
Protection Status of Snow Leopard:
- Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
- Included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Designated under Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
India, hosting approximately 10% of the global Snow Leopard population, concentrates conservation efforts through Project Snow Leopard.
Participating in the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme since 2013, India designates three key landscapes for conservation: Hemis-Spiti, Nanda Devi-Gangotri, and Khangchendzonga-Tawang.
To enhance Snow Leopard protection, India initiated programs like HimalSanrakshak, a community volunteer initiative, and the First National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment in 2019.
The SECURE Himalaya project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to conserve high-altitude biodiversity and reduce local communities’ reliance on natural ecosystems.
Snow Leopard conservation breeding takes place at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Despite the downgrading of its conservation status from “endangered” to “vulnerable” in 2017, continued threats such as poaching and habitat destruction necessitate ongoing conservation efforts.
FAQs – PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD
1-What is a Snow Leopard, and where is it native to?
A: The Snow Leopard, also known as the ‘ounce,’ is a large feline species native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
2-What are the distinctive features of the Snow Leopard?
A: Snow Leopards are recognized by their white fur, black spots, green or grey eyes, and adaptations for cold, mountainous terrains, such as a bushy tail and broad paws.
3-What are the primary prey species for Snow Leopards?
A: Snow Leopards prey on Ghoral, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Tibetan Argali, Himalayan Ibex, Marmots, Pikas, and Hares.
4-What are the main threats faced by Snow Leopards?
A: Snow Leopards face threats such as poaching and habitat degradation, leading to conflicts with humans, especially during winter.
5-When was Project Snow Leopard launched, and by which ministry?
A: Project Snow Leopard was launched in 2009 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change in India.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
