Wildlife & Environment 23 October 2026
India’s First Snow Leopard Survey Records 718 Count Across Himalayas, 477 in Ladakh
Why in the News?
On the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change **Kirti Vardhan Singh** highlighted the findings of the first **Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)**, which recorded an estimated **718 snow leopards** across the Indian Himalayas.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Ladakh Holds Highest Count: Out of the total 718 snow leopards in India, **Ladakh alone accounts for 477**, making it the primary stronghold for the species in the region.
- "Ghost of the Mountains": The snow leopard is colloquially known as the "Ghost of the Mountains" due to its elusive nature and camouflage in high-altitude terrains.
- Privileges & Immunities to IBCA: Union Environment Minister **Bhupender Yadav** announced that the Government of India issued a Gazette notification extending legal privileges and immunities to the **International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)** and its officials under the *United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947*.
- Objective of IBCA: Strengthens global cooperation for conserving seven big cat species (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah) through international knowledge exchange and capacity-building.
Static GK Facts:
- International Snow Leopard Day: Observed annually on **October 23**.
- Snow Leopard (*Panthera uncia*):
- IUCN Red List Status: **Vulnerable**.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: **Schedule I**.
- State Animal of Ladakh: Declared as the official state animal of the Union Territory of Ladakh in 2021.
- Project Snow Leopard: Launched by the Government of India in **2009** for high-altitude biodiversity conservation.
- International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): Launched by PM Narendra Modi in April 2023 | Headquarters - **New Delhi, India**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: According to India's first Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SPAI), how many snow leopards are estimated to exist in India?
A: 718 (with 477 in Ladakh)
Q: On which date is International Snow Leopard Day observed every year?
A: October 23
Q: Which elusive big cat species is widely known as the "Ghost of the Mountains"?
A: Snow Leopard (*Panthera uncia*)
Q: Which international alliance was granted legal privileges and immunities under the UN Act 1947 by India in October 2026?
A: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
#SnowLeopard #SPAI #InternationalSnowLeopardDay #Ladakh #IBCA #BhupenderYadav #KirtiVardhanSingh #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK