Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper III – Environment & Climate Change

In the high-altitude landscapes of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, an inspiring conservation story is emerging. A recent survey by the state forest department and the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) estimated about 83 snow leopards in the region—an increase from 51 in 2021. This progress is largely attributed to the growing participation of local women in conservation and monitoring efforts.

In villages like Kibber, groups of trained women are now leading wildlife tracking, camera trap setup, and data collection exercises in some of the most rugged terrain. For example, teams headed by women like Lobzang Yangchen have been trained to handle digital monitoring systems and ecological surveys—bridging the gap between local knowledge and modern conservation tools.

About the Snow Leopard

• Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
• Habitat: Cold, arid mountains of Central and South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia).
  
• In India, found mainly in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
  
• Population: Estimated 718 across India (as per 2023 government report).
  
• Role: Apex predator maintaining the balance of high-altitude ecosystems by controlling herbivore populations.

Why It Matters

• The snow leopard, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, is an indicator species for Himalayan ecosystem health.
  
• This initiative strengthens India’s commitment under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) and complements the Project Snow Leopard launched in 2009.
  
• Involving women ensures community ownership, improves trust with forest officials, and provides alternate livelihoods through eco-tourism and conservation-linked employment.
  
• It also highlights the value of combining scientific methods with traditional knowledge, which enhances data accuracy and ecosystem protection.
  

Challenges Ahead

Climate change, habitat fragmentation, and unregulated tourism continue to threaten snow leopard habitats. Sustaining the gains will require consistent funding, local capacity-building, and integration with national biodiversity strategies.

UPSC Prelims Question

Which of the following statements about snow leopard conservation in Himachal Pradesh are correct?

1. A recent survey estimated around 83 snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude areas.
   
2. Local women’s teams were involved in setting up camera traps and data tagging during the survey.
   
3. The snow leopard is listed as a Vulnerable species under the IUCN Red List.
   

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)

One-line Wrap:

Empowered women in Himachal’s mountains are proving that community-driven conservation is key to protecting India’s elusive snow leopards.