A landmark survey conducted by the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (DoEFCC) in collaboration with WWF-India has reported the presence of 36 snow leopards in Arunachal Pradesh. This groundbreaking study offers the first scientifically robust estimates of the snow leopard population and density in the state, establishing a crucial baseline for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a key apex predator in the trans-Himalayas and holds significant cultural importance among the Himalayan communities that coexist with this majestic feline. In 2008, India launched the Project Snow Leopard to conserve and protect the unique high-altitude wildlife and their habitats, recognizing the vital role that local cultures and livelihoods play in conservation.
In Arunachal Pradesh, snow leopards are revered as totemic symbols across various tribes, with strict taboos against hunting carnivores reflecting the cultural reverence for these animals. Despite having over 15,000 square kilometers of potential snow leopard habitat, the region has seen limited wildlife research until now.
Initiated in 2021, the DoEFCC’s project aimed to assess the snow leopard population in the state, overcoming challenges posed by difficult terrain and accessibility. Utilizing advanced simulation techniques and extensive fieldwork, the study aimed to cover the entire potential habitat of the snow leopards. The collaboration with WWF-India provided technical expertise and training for local forest department staff who actively participated in the fieldwork.
From June 24 to December 9, 2021, camera trapping efforts were conducted across 115 locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Interviews with herders and ex-hunters across 160 sites revealed that over 80% of respondents confirmed the presence of snow leopards in their areas. Notably, eight individual snow leopards were detected in Tawang and Bomdila divisions, highlighting the species’ elusive nature.
The survey identified significant threats to snow leopards, including accidental killings and snaring, primarily in all surveyed districts except West Kameng and Tawang, where retaliatory killings take precedence. Additionally, the rapid development of infrastructure and the presence of free-ranging dogs were found to pose serious risks to wildlife in the high-elevation areas of West Kameng and Tawang districts.
This survey not only marks a significant milestone in the understanding of snow leopard populations in Arunachal Pradesh but also emphasizes the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these elusive big cats and their habitats.