International Snow Leopard Day 2024

• 24 Oct 2024

Source: DTE

Why in News? 

International Snow Leopard Day is celebrated every year on 23rd October.

International Snow Leopard Day

• It came into being in 2013, following the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in Kyrgyzstan where 12 countries that host snow leopard populations agreed to collaborate in their conservation efforts. 
  • Countries Hosting Snow Leopards: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 

What are Facts About Snow Leopards? 

• About: Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are considered medium-sized cats that are known for their elusive nature and ability to thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments. 
• Habitat: They are native to the mountains of Central and South Asia and typically found at elevations between 9,800 and 17,000 feet in mountain ranges, including the Himalayas. 
  • Population estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 individuals in the wild. 
• Adaptations: They are known as "ghosts of the mountains" due to their elusive nature and ability to blend into their surroundings.  
  • They possess thick, greyish-white fur that provides camouflage against snow and rocks. 
• Behaviour: Snow leopards do not roar. They communicate through growls, hisses, meows, and a unique sound called a "chuff." 
  • The animal is most active at dawn and dusk.  
  • Like most species of cats, snow leopards are solitary animals. 
• Reproduction: They usually mate between January and March, a time when both sexes mark their territories intensively leaving signs such as scrapes, faeces, urine and scent-spray in prominent locations along their travel routes. 
• Ecological Importance: Serve as top predators and Indicator species, as their presence reflects the health of their high-altitude ecosystems. 
  • Their kills provide food for scavengers like vultures and wolves, supporting other species. 

Snow Leopard Population in India 

• As per the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, the Snow leopard population is 718 individuals in India. 
  • The estimated population in different states are as follows: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9). 
• The Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude Himalayas. 
• Hemis National Park in Ladakh is called the Snow Leopard capital of the world.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2024)

1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. 

Which of the statements given above are correct 2 

(a) 1 and 2 only                        

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only                        

(d) 1, 2 and 2 

Ans: (a) 

Q.Consider the following: (2012) 

1. Black-necked crane 
2. Cheetah 
3. Flying squirrel 
4. Snow leopard 

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only  

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 2 and 4 only  

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (b)