Written by Saurabh ParasharUpdated: October 2, 2025 08:46 PM IST 4 min readSnow leopard caught on camera trap. (Photos provided by Himachal Pradesh Forest & Wildlife Wing)The snow leopard count has jumped from 51 in 2021 to 83, excluding cubs, across Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude habitats, the Wildlife Wing of the state’s Forest Department said on the first day of the Wildlife Week Thursday, after the conclusion of its second comprehensive population estimation.In the first state-wide assessment, which started in 2018 and ended in 2021, the population was recorded at 51.The survey, which was completed in a year and conducted in partnership with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), marks a significant advancement in wildlife monitoring, positioning Himachal as the first state in the country to undertake a population estimation of the elusive species.Notably, the survey documented the first official sighting of Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) in Kinnaur and the rediscovery of the woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) in Lahaul.The faster turnaround time of the survey demonstrated a scalable and cost-effective model for long-term monitoring. Officials noted that this was possible due to prior experience, refined techniques, and enhanced coordination among field teams.During the exercise, around 271 camera traps were set up across the 26,000 sq km habitats of snow leopards in Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Pangi, Lahaul and Greater National Himalayan Park (GNHP), a wildlife officer said.“A total of 44 unique snow leopards were detected 262 times — the same number of individuals identified in the previous survey held in 2021. Analysis indicates a snow leopard density ranging from 0.16 to 0.53 individuals per 100 sq km, with the trans-Himalayan regions of Spiti and Pin Valley, followed by Upper Kinnaur and Tabo, recording the highest densities,” Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, Preeti Bhandari, told The Indian Express.Bhandari said, “The state’s snow leopard population is estimated at 83 (67-103) individuals, suggesting an increase from the first survey, which had reported 51 (44-73) individuals.”Story continues below this adThis time, however, Bhandari said that many snow leopard detections were recorded outside protected areas such as Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary, and Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary.This underscores the importance of local community participation in conservation efforts and strengthens the case for community-based initiatives to safeguard snow leopard habitats in Himachal Pradesh, the official said.The surveys also provided valuable data on other mammals sharing the same landscape. Using ensemble modeling, refined distribution maps were created for prey species such as blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan ibex (Capra sibirica), and musk deer (Moschus leucogaster). The study updated records for species, including the Himalayan wolf, brown bear, common leopard, red fox, stone marten, mountain weasel, and yellow-throated marten.According to information, the camera traps across the rugged Himalayan terrain were laid by a team of eight local youth from Kibber village in Spiti, who have been involved in similar surveys since 2010. They were joined by 20 frontline staff of the Spiti Forest Division and 15 community members. For the first time globally, an indigenous women’s team from Kibber also contributed to the data analysis, marking a milestone in inclusive conservation.Story continues below this adForest officials said the survey not only provides a robust baseline for long-term snow leopard monitoring in Himachal Pradesh but also sets a blueprint for other states across the Himalayan snow leopard range.By carrying out such large-scale, scientifically rigorous assessments in a cost-effective manner in a short time, Himachal Pradesh has offered a model for continuous monitoring and adaptive management of the species and its ecosystem.Saurabh Parashar is a journalist with The Indian Express, where he primarily covers developments in Himachal Pradesh. He has been associated with The Indian Express since 2017 and has earlier worked with The Times of India. He has 17 year + experience in the field of print journalism. An alumnus of Government College for Men, Sector 11, (Panjab University), Chandigarh, Saurabh holds a Diploma in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Chandigarh. He pursued his Master’s in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar. In addition, he completed his law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:himachalHimachal Pradesh