Date 04/10/2025
The snow-covered slopes of Himachal Pradesh have some good news to share — the elusive and majestic snow leopard is making a strong comeback. According to a new survey by the Himachal Pradesh Wildlife Wing and the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), the population of snow leopards has gone up from 51 in 2021 to 83 in 2025.
Survey of Snow Leopard
That’s a big jump for one of the world’s most secretive big cats. The survey covered around 26,000 square kilometers of rugged Himalayan terrain using camera traps. The findings show that snow leopards are now thriving, especially in the high-altitude regions of Spiti, Pin Valley, upper Kinnaur, and Tabo — areas that have long been known as prime snow leopard territory.( see here Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park of Himachal Pradesh.)
Spread of Snow Leopard
The density of snow leopards now ranges between 0.16 to 0.53 individuals per 100 square kilometers. Most sightings came from protected zones such as the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary, and Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary. Some were even spotted outside protected areas, showing that the species is expanding its range.
New Findings
But that’s not the only surprise from the study. Two new wild species have been documented in Himachal: the woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), sighted in Lahaul, and Pallas’s cat, a rare feline seen for the first time in Kinnaur. Both discoveries add new depth to the region’s already rich biodiversity.
Wildlife officials believe that better conservation practices, awareness campaigns, and improved habitats have helped snow leopards recover. Shah Nawaz, DFO Wildlife Shimla, noted that the environment has become more favorable for the species due to stronger monitoring and community participation.
Amitabh Gautam, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), highlighted that such positive results are proof that consistent efforts under the state’s Wildlife Week programs and collaboration with conservation groups are paying off.
The success story of Himachal’s snow leopards is more than just a number. It’s a reminder that patient, science-driven conservation can help even the most elusive species reclaim their space in the wild.The Himalayas, it seems, are slowly bringing their ghost back into the light.
