India identifies 718 snow leopards in national Himalayan survey

India has completed its first systematic Snow Leopard Population Assessment, recording a total of 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh shared these findings on October 23, 2026, to coincide with International Snow Leopard Day. The survey identified 477 snow leopards in Ladakh alone, highlighting the region's importance as a primary habitat for the 'Ghost of the Mountains.' This assessment, known as the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), represents a significant effort to map the distribution and population of these elusive cats.

These results are the product of ongoing government initiatives to protect snow leopards and their high-altitude environments. Singh noted that the findings align with a national commitment to biodiversity conservation, a vision shaped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government intends to protect the species' future by focusing on habitat security and working closely with local communities.

In a related move, the government is also expanding its support for international big cat conservation. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav announced that the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) will be granted specific privileges and immunities. This allows the IBCA to serve as a global platform for collaboration and the exchange of expertise, further demonstrating India's interest in international wildlife cooperation.

Conserving snow leopards is vital for the health of the mountain ecosystems where they live. As apex predators, they help maintain a natural balance, and their protection contributes to the overall stability of the environment. Through proactive measures such as habitat management and community programs, the government is working toward a sustainable future for these animals across the Himalayan range.

The identification of 718 snow leopards provides a foundation for future wildlife conservation efforts. The government plans to build on this work by strengthening habitat protections and fostering deeper community involvement. These findings from the SPAI survey support national conservation targets and help establish India’s role in high-altitude wildlife protection on a global scale.