How the “Ghost of the Mountains” Inspires Hope for Wildlife Conservation Across Asia
Every year on October 23, wildlife lovers, conservationists, and mountain communities celebrate International Snow Leopard Day — a global event dedicated to protecting one of the planet’s most elusive and beautiful big cats: the snow leopard (Panthera uncia).
Often called the “ghost of the mountains,” snow leopards are known for their silent presence across Asia’s towering peaks. Yet their mysterious beauty hides a harsh reality — their numbers are dwindling due to climate change, poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
However, across regions like India and Nepal, inspiring stories of coexistence and recovery show that hope for this endangered species is still alive.
The Mysterious “Ghost of the Mountains”
Snow leopards are found in 12 countries across Central and South Asia, from the highlands of Mongolia to the rugged mountains of northern India and Nepal. They thrive in extreme cold, at altitudes often above 3,000 meters (around 10,000 feet).
Their thick, smoky-gray fur, powerful build, and long, fluffy tail help them survive in some of the world’s harshest environments. Yet their very adaptation to remote, high-altitude habitats makes them hard to study — and even harder to protect.
Wildlife experts estimate there are between 4,000 and 6,500 snow leopards left in the wild, though exact numbers are uncertain due to their secretive behavior.
Why International Snow Leopard Day Matters
International Snow Leopard Day was first celebrated in 2014, following the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) signed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This program brought together 12 snow leopard range countries to work toward a common goal — ensuring the long-term survival of snow leopards and their mountain ecosystems.
The day serves as a reminder that snow leopard conservation is not just about saving one species — it’s about protecting fragile mountain ecosystems, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
Every October, awareness campaigns, field projects, and educational events are organized across Asia and beyond to highlight conservation efforts and encourage responsible coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Snow Leopards in India: Thriving in the High Himalayas
India is home to an estimated 500 to 700 snow leopards, mostly found in the trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
A recent study published in May 2025 revealed that two-thirds of India’s snow leopards live in Ladakh, a vast, cold desert region filled with steep mountain ranges and rocky plateaus.
Researchers tracked the cats using camera traps, footprints, and scat analysis, estimating around 477 individuals in Ladakh alone.
Interestingly, most sightings occurred outside protected areas, raising concerns about human-leopard conflict. During winter, when wild prey such as blue sheep and ibex are scarce, snow leopards often prey on domestic livestock like goats and yaks.
But unlike other regions where this leads to retaliation, Ladakh’s Buddhist culture and community-based conservation programs have allowed peaceful coexistence to flourish.
“Snow leopards are not poached here,” said Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala, senior wildlife scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India. “The combination of Buddhist values and economic incentives to preserve the species has allowed their population to increase in density.”
Community Conservation and Cultural Harmony
In Ladakh, local communities have developed innovative conservation models. Villages often form “Snow Leopard Conservation Committees”, where herders receive compensation for lost livestock and share tourism revenue from wildlife sightings.
Eco-friendly homestays, guided treks, and community-run reserves now provide an alternative income source, reducing pressure on the fragile environment.
This approach has transformed snow leopards from a threat into a symbol of local pride.
“People here have learned that protecting the snow leopard also means protecting their culture and future,” says Sneha Mahale, contributor for Mongabay India.
Himachal Pradesh: Signs of Recovery
In another positive development, Himachal Pradesh recently recorded a rise in snow leopard numbers — from 51 individuals in 2021 to 83 in 2024, according to a state survey.
This increase reflects the success of habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and awareness programs under India’s Project Snow Leopard, a national initiative launched in 2009.
Local herders, once hostile toward the big cats, are now trained as “citizen wildlife guardians.” These programs combine traditional knowledge with modern science, creating a unique example of grassroots conservation.
Snow Leopards in Nepal: A Cross-Border Success Story
Across the border in Nepal, the story is equally encouraging. Earlier this year, the Government of Nepal announced its first-ever national snow leopard population estimate — about 397 individuals.
“This national estimate is a historic step in Nepal’s conservation journey,” said Ramchandra Kandel, Director-General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. “It not only provides us with a clearer picture of snow leopard populations but also informs future conservation strategies.”
Nepal’s snow leopard population is concentrated in regions such as Mustang, Manang, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Many of these areas border India and China, highlighting the transboundary nature of snow leopard habitats.
The Cats Without Borders
A groundbreaking study by WWF Nepal used GPS collars to track four snow leopards across the Himalayas. Researchers discovered that the cats often crossed international borders, spending nearly one-third of their time in India and China.
“We now have solid proof that snow leopards don’t recognize borders,” said Samundra Subba, the study’s lead author and large carnivore researcher at WWF Nepal.
These findings emphasize the need for cross-country cooperation in wildlife conservation.
“What I find heartening,” added Dr. Charudutt Mishra, Executive Director of the Snow Leopard Trust, “is that these collared snow leopards didn’t face major man-made barriers to movement. That’s rare in our world today, where most borders are fenced.”
Threats Facing Snow Leopards
Despite recent success stories, snow leopards remain vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Their population continues to face serious threats:
- Habitat Loss – Expanding roads, mining, and hydropower projects disrupt fragile ecosystems.
- Climate Change – Rising temperatures push snow lines higher, shrinking the leopards’ habitat.
- Prey Decline – Depletion of natural prey forces leopards toward human settlements.
- Retaliatory Killings – Farmers often kill leopards after livestock losses.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade – Their fur and bones remain in demand on the black market.
Protecting the snow leopard requires addressing all these interconnected challenges through policy, science, and community engagement.
Conservation Initiatives Bringing Hope
1. Project Snow Leopard (India)
Launched in 2009, this national mission integrates snow leopard conservation with sustainable development. It focuses on:
- Habitat management
- Community participation
- Research and monitoring
- Compensation for livestock loss
2. The Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)
This international coalition brings together 12 range countries — including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and China — to protect snow leopards through cross-border partnerships and ecosystem-based conservation.
3. Snow Leopard Trust and WWF Initiatives
Global NGOs like the Snow Leopard Trust and WWF have been instrumental in funding research, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting local herders through livelihood programs.
4. Citizen Science and Camera Trap Networks
Modern technology like AI-powered camera traps and satellite collars help scientists monitor snow leopard movements, breeding, and behavior — even in remote areas where human access is limited.
The Role of Local Communities
Perhaps the greatest lesson from India and Nepal is that people living closest to wildlife can be its strongest protectors.
In places like Ladakh’s Hemis National Park or Nepal’s Upper Mustang, communities now run eco-tourism lodges, handicraft cooperatives, and wildlife patrols that directly benefit from conservation.
When herders realize that protecting snow leopards can bring them income and prestige, attitudes shift dramatically.
“Conservation cannot succeed without the people,” says Tashi Namgyal, a community leader from Ladakh. “Our grandparents saw snow leopards as enemies; now our children see them as our mountain guardians.”
The Way Forward: Coexistence and Climate Action
As global temperatures rise and glaciers retreat, snow leopards face a new kind of threat — the loss of their alpine homes.
Scientists warn that up to 30% of suitable snow leopard habitat could disappear by 2050 if climate change continues unchecked.
Therefore, protecting these cats also means protecting the Himalayan ecosystem — the source of Asia’s major rivers like the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which sustain over a billion people downstream.
Conservationists are calling for:
- Climate-resilient habitats
- Cross-border conservation corridors
- Stronger anti-poaching laws
- Investment in eco-friendly livelihoods
Global Awareness and Education
Events marking International Snow Leopard Day are held every year across schools, universities, and conservation centers. Documentaries, art competitions, and social media campaigns raise awareness of the snow leopard’s plight.
In recent years, digital platforms have played a key role in connecting young conservationists from around the world, inspiring a new generation of wildlife defenders.
Also read: US Treasury Starts Emptying: America Faces Shutdown Chaos as Political Stalemate Deepens
Conclusion: Guardians of the High Mountains
The story of the snow leopard is one of mystery, resilience, and hope. From the silent slopes of Ladakh to the icy cliffs of Nepal, this “ghost of the mountains” continues to inspire awe — and action.
As we celebrate International Snow Leopard Day 2025, the message is clear:
Saving the snow leopard is about more than conserving a species — it’s about protecting our shared planet, cultures, and future generations.
When communities, scientists, and nations work together, even the most elusive creatures can be given a chance to thrive again.
