LEH, October 23: The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, in collaboration with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, observed International Snow Leopard Day with an awareness programme dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Snow Leopard — the high-altitude apex predator that symbolizes the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The event, held in Leh, brought together officers, wildlife experts, and local stakeholders to deliberate on ongoing efforts to protect the species, which faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, and S. Rajesh, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator and Chief Wildlife Warden, Ladakh, addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of community participation and sustained monitoring to ensure the survival of the species.
With an estimated 477 Snow Leopards — accounting for nearly 68 per cent of India’s total population — Ladakh remains a critical habitat for the elusive cat. The region’s conservation initiatives are part of India’s larger commitment under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), which seeks to secure the future of the species across its range from the Himalayas to Central Asia.
