Arunachal Pradesh is Home to 36 Snow Leopards: Forest Dept Survey

In a thrilling update for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, a recent assessment by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DoEFCC) in Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with WWF-India has revealed that the state is now home to 36 snow leopards.

This study reported a density of 0.26 snow leopards per 100 square kilometers, shedding light on the current status of these elusive big cats in the area.

Additionally, a perception survey conducted across 11 districts of the state revealed that around 80% of interviewees confirmed the presence of snow leopards in their localities.

Taking to X, Chief Minister Pema Khnadu wrote, “Enthused by the sighting of 36 snow leopards in a study conducted by @moefcc and @WWFINDIA in Arunachal Pradesh. This is a promising sign. Let us all further make sincere efforts to conserve this endangered species for a healthier ecosystem. “

The DoEFCC, Arunachal Pradesh, initiated a pioneering project to assess the population of snow leopards in 2021.

This is the first-ever study that attempted a robust assessment of the population of snow leopards in the state and it did at a scale that covers the entire potential habitat of the snow leopards.

Under this assessment, the DoEFCC has covered the entire state with more than 115 camera traps installed between June and December 2021, and subsequently, a couple of divisions have repeated this exercise in 2022 and 2023.

The final report on this assessment was released by Arunachal Pradesh Forest Minister Wangki Lowang on Tuesday.

As totemic symbols of spiritual value, cat species are very significant to most Arunachal Pradesh tribes.

These tribes also frequently impose the harshest penalties (in-kind) on those who hunt carnivores in violation of their taboo.

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