Ladakh’s Hemis National Park home to world’s highest snow leopard density
The Hemis National Park in Ladakh recorded the highest density of snow leopards globally at 477, according to a study published in PLOS One on Thursday.
The Hemis National Park in Ladakh recorded the highest density of snow leopards globally at 477, according to a study published in PLOS One on Thursday.
Releasing the report during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held here, he said the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) programme is the first-ever scientific exercise in the country.
An official said that the sightings were reported at 30 locations where an adult with two cubs were also captured in the camera thereby confirming the breeding status of snow leopards in Kishtwar.
Himachal Pradesh is home to 75 snow leopards, reveals a first-of-its-kind five-year systematic effort at a large regional scale in the Himalayan range where the incredible 'Ghost of the Mountains' live and are elusive by nature.
One of these snow leopards standing on a rocky surface was caught in the camera trap on October 1 at 2.15pm. The other picture was captured in a green mountain area on September 20 at 11.47am.
Earlier, the Department of Wildlife Protection Department, through outsourced scientific study, has also captured two leopards (one adult and one sub adult) in a single frame of camera trap in Nanth Nallah.
The NCF and wildlife wing collaborated in the effort and it took three years to complete the assessment, which will also serve as a robust baseline for the Wildlife wing for long term monitoring of the snow leopard landscape.
This season patrol teams of the Gangotri National Park were successful in taking a photograph and shooting a 35 second video clip of a snow leopard with their smartphones.
The find has thrilled the park management and they are anxiously waiting for the summer to start when they will collect the output of camera traps fixed in the park.
When AIFF officials last year went to inspect the stadium ahead of Real Kashmir's debut, they were told that there were plans to install floodlights in the near future and that the government has allocated Rs 3.5 crore for the purpose.
