Snow Leopards Spotted in Gangotri National Park | 20 May 2024

Recently, a Snow Leopard was spotted in Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

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.

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.