Snow Leopards Have a High Population Presence in Ladakh—Exploring the Factors Enchanting People Worldwide
In the high-altitude landscapes of Ladakh, the climate crisis is posing significant challenges to the survival of the enigmatic snow leopard. As temperatures rise and habitats degrade, these solitary creatures are being forced to adapt, leading to increased interactions with humans and competition for resources.
Snow leopards, weighing around 30-55 kg, are elusive animals known for their smoky-grey fur patterned with dark-grey to black rosettes, which helps them blend seamlessly against rocky slopes. They are primarily active at dawn and dusk and are held in high regard by local Ladakhi communities, who view them as 'Ri Gyancha', or ornaments of the mountains.
However, the changing climate in Ladakh is causing concern. Over the past 40 years, temperatures have increased by about 3°C, leading to droughts and reduced pastures. This indirectly affects the snow leopard's prey, such as blue sheep, and degrades the quality of their habitat. Climate change, combined with infrastructure development and illegal poaching, compound the threats to these elusive creatures.
The declining traditional herding practices in Ladakh threaten the ecosystem balance, allowing invasive plants to displace native species essential for wildlife feeding. Estimates suggest that approximately 477 snow leopards roam Ladakh, making up about 68% of India's snow leopard population, highlighting the region's conservation significance.
Community-led conservation initiatives offer a promising approach to reducing conflict and promoting coexistence. The first community-conserved area in Tar Village, Ladakh, was established in 2024, fostering protection of the snow leopard and coexistence among locals. Efforts aim to expand such conservation efforts across Ladakh to ensure the long-term survival of snow leopards while maintaining local livelihoods.
Local conservationists, like Dr Tsewang Namgail, Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLC-IT), have observed snow leopards moving upslope due to changes in their prey species' habitats. The SLC-IT runs a conservation-linked homestay program since 2002, tapping into Ladakh's tourism market and generating additional income for families, helping to offset livestock loss to snow leopards.
Several villages in Ladakh now participate in a livestock insurance program run by the SLC-IT, which provides full compensation to owners if a snow leopard kills an insured domestic animal. Wildlife photographers like Morup Namgail, who leads snow leopard tours in Uley Valley, have observed around 12-13 snow leopards in the area, suggesting a great number in the entire region.
Sharing photographs and video footage of snow leopards can help support their conservation by increasing public interest and curiosity. Morup Namgail believes that such efforts can aid in preserving these magnificent creatures. The study published in PLOS One in May 2025 found that Ladakh, a union territory in India, is home to approximately 68% of the country's total snow leopard population.
To further protect snow leopards and other wild animals in Ladakh, the SLC-IT emphasizes the importance of controlling the free-ranging dog population, which poses a significant threat to these elusive creatures. As the climate crisis continues to unfold, it is crucial that conservation efforts remain proactive and collaborative to ensure the survival of these iconic mountain predators.
Environmental science plays a vital role in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change to the snow leopards in Ladakh, as rising temperatures and degraded habitats force these elusive creatures to change their lifestyle and travel patterns. Various conservation initiatives, such as community-led conservation efforts and livestock insurance programs, aim to coexist with snow leopards while maintaining local livelihoods and preserving the environmental-science that supports their survival.
