Snow leopard, as a flagship species, symbolises conservation of its vast ecosystem. However, its status remains unclear because of a lack of robust estimates of the global population size of this smallest big cat. Despite decades of research and advancement in technology, a robust understanding of the population status of the snow leopard remains elusive. Although increasing, only a small proportion of its global distribution range has been systematically sampled. Studies caution against the potential bias that arises due to insufficient and biased sampling for estimates of population size and questions the down-listing of the snow leopard status from endangered to vulnerable. Additionally, we do not know if the good quality habitats for this large carnivore have already been lost, creating a huge knowledge gap. Moreover, rapid socio-economic changes, habitat loss, historical persecution, and retaliatory killings threaten its survival throughout its range.

From the high altitude Himalaya to the rugged mountains of the beautiful Tien-Shan in Kyrgyzstan, this magnificent species has become the icon of conservation. Conservation of the species also serves a great deal in conserving the unique ecosystem of high mountains and the culturally diverse human communities. Rapid socio-economic changes and local developments are threatening this unique system. Historical persecution, retaliatory killing and large-scale habitat destruction are major threats faced by this species throughout its range.

Recognizing this, the governments of twelve snow leopard range countries have formed a coalition to form the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP). GSLEP meetings have given rise to project PAWS or Population Assessment of the World’s Snow leopard and have involved all concerned ministries from different countries for policy-making. The goal of the PAWS project is to get a scientifically robust estimate of the global population size of the snow leopards.

Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) is one of the leading partner organizations to conduct research work for the PAWS project in India. NCF and the Himachal Pradesh forest department have embarked on an ambitious plan to estimate the snow leopard population for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh in a state-wide survey approach.

One of the main goals was to understand the state of the snow leopard population in Himachal Pradesh covering all the snow leopard inhabited areas. In partnership with HPFD and with the help of local research staff, NCF made an effort to come up with robust estimates of snow leopard population size in the state as a part of PAWS project and also contribute to the larger knowledge pool.

How was this task accomplished?

This large-scale population estimation exercise was carried out in three phases spanning 4 years. Picture this: An area four times the state of Sikkim covered with precipitous mountains and valleys is surveyed on foot by placing camera traps on stones. Most of the regions in the study area were remote with the added challenge of limited accessibility during winter. The plan was to sample different habitats, some of which were great, some less ideal. 

“As long as our sampling represents all available habitat types across the state, we can arrive at a representative, reliable estimate of the whole state’s population”, explains Dr Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi, the director of NCF’s High Altitude Programme.

Along with the snow leopard population estimation, we also worked to get estimates of prey populations (blue sheep and ibex) from the study sites. This is crucial to understand the predator-prey ecology of the snow leopard and its ungulate prey for these areas. This was one of India’s first large-scale attempts to estimate the population of snow leopards and their prey.

With an estimated population size of 51 snow leopards (95% CI: 44–73), the results provide robust baselines to initiate long term studies monitoring the snow leopard population in the state.

Previous studies showed that snow leopards use a wide range of habitats in this vast landscape and mostly inhabit areas which are outside protected areas, sharing spaces with local communities. Our results reiterate that the biggest support can come from the local communities, if their concerns are incorporated into planning and management.

The Road Ahead

Following the successful conclusion of the initial PAWS I, we are now conducting the second statewide assessment of snow leopard population (PAWS II). The fieldwork for collecting data occurred in three phases in areas of Kinnaur, Chamba and Lahaul and Spiti this year. We got snow leopards photographed in all sites and a first-time record of a very rare & elusive small cat of the mountains, the Pallas’s cat, in Kinnaur. We look forward to assessing and comparing data from this second round to further understand snow leopard populations and identify potential areas to direct adequate conservation measures.