The elusive Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains,” roams across the rugged terrains of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These big cats thrive in high-altitude landscapes, generally inhabiting regions with extreme climates.
The snow leopard’s global range covers over 1.8 million km², with China claiming the largest share of this vast territory, followed by Mongolia and India. India’s primary snow leopard habitats span the high-altitude regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Despite their wide distribution, snow leopards remain an endangered species, facing constant threats from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss. Global conservation efforts are underway to protect these iconic predators, including initiatives like camera trap monitoring, anti-poaching campaigns, and community involvement to ensure their survival.
The snow leopard’s protection is crucial for maintaining the balance of fragile ecosystems in the mountains, where they play a pivotal role as apex predators. Continued conservation action and international collaboration are key to securing the future of this magnificent species across its range.
