Snow Leopards: Himachal Records 83 in 2025 Survey
Why in the news
Himachal’s forest department reported a clear rise in its snow leopard numbers, credited to conservation and scientific monitoring.
Key facts
- Species: Panthera uncia, the high-altitude “ghost of the mountains”.
- State Animal of Himachal Pradesh.
- Legal shield: Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 gives the highest protection; CITES Appendix I bans trade.
- SECURE Himalaya: India–UNDP effort on livelihoods and biodiversity.
- Survey tools: camera traps, genetic sampling, AI tracking.
Exam angle
- Scientific name and State Animal status.
- Partner of SECURE Himalaya: UNDP.