Himachal Hosts 83 Snow Leopards, Study Reveals

A recent study has also reported the presence of two new wild species in Himachal Pradesh — the woolly flying squirrel and the Pallas’s cat.

Over the past few years, the snow leopard population in the state has seen a notable rise. According to a joint study conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Wildlife Wing in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Bengaluru, the number of snow leopards increased from 51 in 2021 to 83.

The research, which covered an area of 26,112 square kilometers, also documented the appearance of the woolly flying squirrel and the Pallas’s cat, marking them as new wildlife species in the region.

Amitabh Gautam, PCCF (Wildlife), emphasized that snow leopards in Himachal remain endangered and that the Wildlife Wing plays a crucial role in their conservation. He further noted that several wild species are currently on the brink of extinction, and the Forest Department, in partnership with the Wildlife Wing, is taking significant steps to ensure their protection.

Gautam highlighted the importance of active public participation alongside departmental efforts, urging local communities to join hands with the Forest Department in this conservation mission.