Environment Minister of State marks International Snow Leopard Day citing 718 snow leopards in the Indian Himalayas

23 October 2026

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh marked International Snow Leopard Day by citing the findings of India's first Snow Leopard Population Assessment Survey. The survey counted 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas, with Ladakh accounting for the largest share at 477. The Minister said the government will continue working to secure the future of the species through habitat protection and community engagement, and that India continues to lead in high-altitude wildlife conservation.