Uttarakhand
Snow Leopards Spotted in Gangotri National Park
- 20 May 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Recently, a Snow Leopard was spotted in Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
Key Points
- In the latest snow leopard census of India, released earlier in 2024, there are 718 snow leopards in India. Out of which, 124 are in Uttarakhand.
- The hill state has the second highest snow leopard population in India, after Ladakh (477). The Gangotri National Park boasts a population of 38–40 snow leopards.
- Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, it is estimated that the global population of snow leopards is less than 10,000.
- In Uttarakhand, snow leopards are found in Uttarkashi, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts.
Gangotri National Park
- It was established in 1989 and is situated in Uttarkashi, Uttrakhand in the upper catchment of Bhagirathi River.
- Gaumukh at Gangotri glacier, the origin of river Ganga, is located inside the park.
- The park area forms a viable continuity between Govind National Park and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Flora: The park is enveloped by dense coniferous forests that are mostly temperate. Chirpine, deodar, fir, spruce, oak and rhododendron are the common vegetation.
- Fauna: Various rare and endangered species like bharal or blue sheep, black bear, brown bear, himalayan monal, himalayan snowcock, himalayan tahr, musk deer and snow leopard are found in the park.
