Ladakh Records World’s Highest Snow Leopard Density with 477 Individuals.
National
In May 2025, the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh recorded the world’s highest density of snow leopards (Panthera uncia), according to a study conducted by the Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), Ladakh, in collaboration with the Dehradun (Uttarakhand)-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the New Delhi-based National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- The study was published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS) in its peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE.
- It estimated that Ladakh is home to 477 snow leopards, representing nearly 68% of India’s total snow leopard population.
Main Point :- (i) The study estimated the total snow leopard population in India at 709 individuals, highlighting the presence of this elusive species across the Himalayan landscape. This is the most comprehensive estimate of India's snow leopard numbers to date.
(ii) Out of the total, 477 snow leopards were recorded in Ladakh, establishing the Union Territory as a critical conservation stronghold for the species. This accounts for approximately 68% of India's snow leopard population.
(iii) Snow leopards in Ladakh are distributed across a vast area covering 47,572 square kilometres. Notably, Hemis National Park in Ladakh reported the highest snow leopard density in the world, with 2.07 individuals per 100 sq km, surpassing previous global records from Tibet.
About Ladakh
Lieutenant Governor: Brigadier (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retired)
Capital: Leh
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