A study has revealed that Ladakh is home to nearly 70% of India’s snow leopards, making it one of the most important regions in the world for the survival of this rare and elusive big cat.
Researchers estimate that around 477 snow leopards live in Ladakh out of India’s total of about 709. This is based on the most detailed survey ever done in the country, covering a vast area of 8,600 square kilometers using camera traps and advanced data analysis.
In fact, Hemis National Park in Ladakh now holds the highest snow leopard density ever recorded anywhere in the world — more than 2 snow leopards per 100 square kilometers, compared to previous global highs in China and Tibet.
The researchers say that Ladakh’s rugged terrain, low human population, rich wildlife, and strong local traditions of respecting nature have helped snow leopards thrive in both protected parks and areas where people live and graze livestock.
“This shows that snow leopards can coexist with people, as long as their habitat and prey are protected,” the study notes.
In a major breakthrough, the team has also built India’s first digital photo-library of snow leopards, using machine learning to identify each leopard by its unique fur pattern. This could help track poaching and illegal wildlife trade and monitor snow leopard movements across international borders.
The study also created new apps and software tools for field researchers to gather and store data, which can now be used in other parts of India and neighboring countries to better protect snow leopards.
While more snow leopards were found outside protected areas, scientists caution that national parks and wildlife sanctuaries remain crucial. These areas protect not only snow leopards but also unique landscapes like the Siachen Glacier, cold deserts, and rare animals such as the Tibetan antelope and wild yak.
Overall, the study highlights Ladakh’s global importance for snow leopard conservation and offers a model for how science, community traditions, and modern technology can work together to save endangered wildlife.