Uttarakhand: Home to 2nd Largest Snow Leopard Population

• 01 Feb 2024

Why in News?

According to the Snow Leopards Population Assessment in India (SPAI), Uttarakhand has documented a notable population of 124 snow leopards, securing the second position after Ladakh, which boasts 477.

Key Points

• The recently released report, titled 'Status of Snow Leopard in India', represents the first-ever scientific effort estimating the presence of 718 snow leopards in the Indian Himalayan territories.
• A team at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), conducted a comprehensive scientific assessment, highlighting Gangotri National Park as a pivotal area for conservation.
• According to authorities, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve has also emerged as a promising habitat for snow leopards.
• The survey spanned six snow leopard range states with Himachal Pradesh leading with 51 elusive cats, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21),and Jammu and Kashmir (9), resulting in a total of 718 across these states.

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.

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

• It was established in 1988 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site 1988. The reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan musk deer, and blue sheep.
• The reserve is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several indigenous communities such as the Bhotiyas and the Joharis. These communities have been living in the area for centuries and have developed a unique way of life that is closely tied to the natural environment.