23for23 Campaign and India’s First National Snow Leopard Census
Why in the news
On International Snow Leopard Day (23 October 2025) India ran the #23for23 campaign and revealed its first National Snow Leopard Census, counting 718 animals in the Himalayas.
About #23for23
- By: MoEFCC; a countrywide, community-driven awareness effort.
- Aims: highlight habitat and conservation issues, involve citizens, and match GSLEP (Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme).
Snow leopard profile
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Panthera uncia |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable |
| Global range | 12 countries, incl. India, Nepal, China, Mongolia, Pakistan |
| Altitude | 3,000-5,000 m in cold, arid, rocky terrain |
| Indian range | Ladakh, J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh |