Rise of snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh brings cheers to wildlife

The department conducted an estimate of snow leopard count in 2016 but it was not done in a scientific manner. At that time, it had put the number at 67. Earlier, it had estimated 20 leopards across the state that set alarm bells ringing.

“The frequent sighting of leopards is a good sign. It shows that they live in a healthy environment,” says Sanjay Kumar Dhiman, a wildlife official who has authored Cats of Himalayas.

HOME AND HABITAT

In Himachal Pradesh, the snow leopard’s habitat ranges from Kibber wildlife sanctuary in Lahaul and Spiti to Pangi in Chamba district. The cats are usually found in the rugged terrain at altitudes between 9,800 feet and 17,000 feet.

Snow leopards have been sighted in Lippa Asrang in the upper reaches of Kinnaur and the Great Himalayan National Park.

The Helan Shan blue sheep, also known as bharals, comprise the main prey for snow leopards. But the growing population of stray dogs in Kaza close to Kibber, the main habitat of the leopard, has emerged as a threat for the feline.

Snow leopards prefer to inhabit steep cliff areas, rocky outcrops and ravines. Such habitats provide them with the camouflage they need to ambush unsuspecting prey. They stalk their prey and usually spring from a distance of 20ft to 50ft. Their long and powerful hind limbs help them to leap up to 30 ft, which is six times their body length.