Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable increase in its snow leopard population, marking a major conservation success story. According to the latest comprehensive survey conducted by the Wildlife Wing of the state’s Forest Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), the number of snow leopards in the state has risen from 51 in 2021 to 83 in 2025, excluding cubs. The announcement came on the first day of Wildlife Week, symbolizing Himachal’s growing commitment to wildlife conservation. This rapid progress, achieved within just one year of survey effort, reflects a combination of improved scientific methods, better coordination, and strong community involvement.

Scientific Survey and Methodology

Himachal Pradesh conducted its second state-wide population estimation between 2024 and 2025, covering nearly 26,000 square kilometres of high-altitude terrain across Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Lahaul, Pangi, and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Using 271 camera traps, researchers identified 44 unique snow leopards, with population density estimates ranging from 0.16 to 0.53 individuals per 100 sq km. While these numbers may seem small, they represent a significant step forward in understanding and monitoring one of the world’s most elusive big cats. Importantly, this makes Himachal the first Indian state to complete such a large-scale, scientific population estimation of snow leopards—setting a precedent for other Himalayan regions.

Inclusive Conservation: Role of Communities

One of the standout features of this survey was the active participation of local communities, especially the inclusion of an indigenous women’s team from Kibber, which contributed to data analysis for the first time globally. This milestone highlights the growing role of local residents as custodians of their ecosystems. The survey revealed that many snow leopards were found outside protected areas, such as Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Sechu Tuan Nala, and Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary. This finding underscores the importance of community-based conservation efforts, as coexistence between humans and wildlife becomes increasingly vital for the species’ survival.

The camera traps also captured rare wildlife species such as the Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul), recorded for the first time in Kinnaur, and the rediscovery of the woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) in Lahaul—adding to the state’s rich biodiversity profile. Other species documented included blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, musk deer, Himalayan wolf, brown bear, and red fox, reflecting a healthy high-altitude ecosystem.

Significance and Way Forward

The successful completion of this survey provides a robust baseline for long-term monitoring and a replicable model for cost-effective wildlife population estimation. Himachal’s approach demonstrates that scientific precision, when coupled with local participation, can yield powerful conservation outcomes.

The state’s efforts align with India’s broader commitment to big cat conservation, including participation in the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. The IBCA promotes cooperation among countries for the protection of seven big cats—lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar, and puma.

As Himachal Pradesh continues to lead in snow leopard conservation, this achievement stands as a model of inclusive, data-driven, and sustainable wildlife management—proving that when science meets community stewardship, nature truly thrives.