The Crossbill Team
Arunachal Pradesh is now home to 36 snow leopards, according to Forest Minister Wangki Lowang, news agency PTI reported, citing findings from a recent survey.
The report, titled "Statewide Assessment of the Population and Density of Snow Leopards in Arunachal Pradesh," offers the first scientifically robust estimate of snow leopard populations in the state.
Released by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (DoEFCC) in partnership with WWF-India, the survey employed advanced methodologies to ensure accurate population assessments.
The fieldwork, conducted by forest department staff, involved comprehensive camera trapping across 115 locations from June 24 to December 9, 2021. Despite Arunachal Pradesh hosting over 15,000 square kilometres of potential snow leopard habitat, this is the first rigorous survey of its kind in the region.
The project, initiated by the DoEFCC in 2021, faced several challenges. The state's rugged and inaccessible snow leopard habitats made it difficult for researchers to conduct fieldwork.
Alongside camera trapping, interviews with herders and ex-hunters at 160 locations were conducted to gather local insights and assess threats to the species. Over 80% of respondents confirmed the presence of snow leopards in their areas.
In Tawang and Bomdila divisions, eight snow leopards were detected across 16 camera traps during 40 capture events. The report identified accidental killings and snaring as major threats to snow leopards in most surveyed districts, while retaliatory killings were the primary concern in West Kameng and Tawang. Infrastructure development and free-ranging dogs were also highlighted as significant dangers to wildlife in high-altitude regions.
The "Project Snow Leopard" initiative, launched in 2008, continues to focus on conserving the unique wildlife and habitats of India’s high-altitude regions through community-driven policies.
Many tribes in Arunachal Pradesh consider snow leopards to be totemic symbols with spiritual significance, and they enforce cultural restrictions on hunting carnivores to protect these sacred animals.
The report, titled "Statewide Assessment of the Population and Density of Snow Leopards in Arunachal Pradesh," offers the first scientifically robust estimate of snow leopard populations in the state.
Released by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (DoEFCC) in partnership with WWF-India, the survey employed advanced methodologies to ensure accurate population assessments.
Enthused by the sighting of 36 snow leopards in a study conducted by @moefcc and @WWFINDIA in Arunachal Pradesh. This is a promising sign. Let us all further make sincere efforts to conserve this endangered species for a healthier ecosystem. @PMOIndia @byadavbjp https://t.co/vdcN8etEaQ
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) October 16, 2024
The fieldwork, conducted by forest department staff, involved comprehensive camera trapping across 115 locations from June 24 to December 9, 2021. Despite Arunachal Pradesh hosting over 15,000 square kilometres of potential snow leopard habitat, this is the first rigorous survey of its kind in the region.
The project, initiated by the DoEFCC in 2021, faced several challenges. The state's rugged and inaccessible snow leopard habitats made it difficult for researchers to conduct fieldwork.
Alongside camera trapping, interviews with herders and ex-hunters at 160 locations were conducted to gather local insights and assess threats to the species. Over 80% of respondents confirmed the presence of snow leopards in their areas.
In Tawang and Bomdila divisions, eight snow leopards were detected across 16 camera traps during 40 capture events. The report identified accidental killings and snaring as major threats to snow leopards in most surveyed districts, while retaliatory killings were the primary concern in West Kameng and Tawang. Infrastructure development and free-ranging dogs were also highlighted as significant dangers to wildlife in high-altitude regions.
The "Project Snow Leopard" initiative, launched in 2008, continues to focus on conserving the unique wildlife and habitats of India’s high-altitude regions through community-driven policies.
Many tribes in Arunachal Pradesh consider snow leopards to be totemic symbols with spiritual significance, and they enforce cultural restrictions on hunting carnivores to protect these sacred animals.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment