Daily Current Affairs : 1-February-2024
India has recently conducted its first detailed survey to estimate the population of snow leopards in the wild. This survey, which took four years to complete, found that there are approximately 718 snow leopards in India. This information is crucial for understanding and protecting this vulnerable species.
Survey Details
The survey, known as the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), started in 2019. Here are some key details about how it was conducted:
- Camera Traps: The team used camera traps in 1,971 locations.
- Distance Covered: They surveyed 13,450 kilometers of trails.
- Regions Studied: The survey covered several regions, including:
- Ladakh
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Jammu and Kashmir
Key Findings
The survey provided important insights into the snow leopard population in various states:
- Ladakh: 477 snow leopards (the highest number)
- Uttarakhand: 124 snow leopards
- Himachal Pradesh: 51 snow leopards
- Arunachal Pradesh: 36 snow leopards
- Sikkim: 21 snow leopards
- Jammu and Kashmir: 9 snow leopards
Overall, this estimate represents about 10-15% of the global population of snow leopards.
Conservation Status
The snow leopard is classified as “vulnerable,” which means it is at risk of becoming endangered. Several threats face this majestic animal, including:
- Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Snow leopards often come into conflict with humans, particularly in farming areas.
- Free-Ranging Dogs: These can pose a significant threat to snow leopards, especially in terms of competition and disease.
- Poaching: Illegal hunting remains a serious concern for the survival of this species.
Important Points:
Survey Overview:
- First comprehensive survey of snow leopards in India.
- Conducted over four years (2019-2023).
- Estimated population: 718 snow leopards.
Methodology:
- Used camera traps in 1,971 locations.
- Surveyed 13,450 kilometers of trails.
- Regions covered: Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir.
Population Estimates by Region:
- Ladakh: 477 snow leopards (highest number).
- Uttarakhand: 124 snow leopards.
- Himachal Pradesh: 51 snow leopards.
- Arunachal Pradesh: 36 snow leopards.
- Sikkim: 21 snow leopards.
- Jammu and Kashmir: 9 snow leopards.
Global Context:
- Estimate accounts for approximately 10-15% of the global snow leopard population.
Conservation Status:
- Snow leopards classified as “vulnerable.”
- Threats include:
- Human-wildlife conflicts.
- Free-ranging dogs.
- Poaching.
Collaborating Organizations:
- World Wide Fund for Nature-India.
- Nature Conservation Foundation.
- Wildlife Institute of India.
Why In News
India’s first comprehensive survey estimates the snow leopard population at 718 in the wild, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts for this majestic species.The four-year-long exercise employed camera traps in 1,971 locations and surveyed 13,450 km of trails across diverse regions such as Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the extensive effort to monitor and protect these elusive animals.
MCQs about India’s First Comprehensive Snow Leopard Survey
-
What was the estimated population of snow leopards in India according to the recent survey?
A. 477
B. 718
C. 124
D. 9
-
Which region had the highest estimated number of snow leopards?
A. Uttarakhand
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Ladakh
D. Jammu and Kashmir
-
What percentage of the global snow leopard population does the Indian estimate represent?
A. 5-10%
B. 10-15%
C. 15-20%
D. 20-25%
-
What major threats do snow leopards face according to the survey findings?
A. Climate change and habitat loss
B. Human-wildlife conflicts and poaching
C. Pollution and deforestation
D. Invasive species
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