NEWS: On International Snow Leopard Day (October 23), the Environment Ministry highlighted India’s first Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SPAI), which recorded 718 snow leopards, including 477 in Ladakh.

KEY FEATURES

• Nickname: Ghost of the Mountains.
• Habitat: High-altitude Himalayas + Central and South Asian mountains; typically 3,000–5,400 metres.
• Landscape: Cold, dry alpine + sub-alpine zones with rocky slopes and cliffs.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
• Range: 12 countries, including India + China + Nepal + Bhutan + Mongolia.
• Largest Range-State Population: China.

ADAPTATIONS

• Thick, Bushy Tail: Balance + insulation against extreme cold.
• Broad, Fur-Covered Paws: Movement across snow.
• Pale-Grey Fur with Dark Rosettes: Camouflage in rocky terrain.
• Powerful Hind Legs: Enables long leaps across steep slopes.
• Diet: Carnivore → Bharal (blue sheep) + ibex + argali.

CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

• SPAI recorded 718 snow leopards in India, supporting scientific monitoring and high-altitude wildlife conservation.