International Day of the Snow Leopard 2026: Date, History, Significance, Conservation Efforts and India’s Snow Leopard Population

International Day of the Snow Leopard is observed on 23 October every year to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile mountain ecosystems. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2024 through Resolution A/RES/79/143.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), popularly known as the “Ghost of the Mountains,” is an elusive big cat inhabiting the high-altitude mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. Its conservation is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in mountain ecosystems.

The Ghost of the Mountains

Snow leopards are rarely spotted in the wild because of their elusive behaviour, camouflage and remote mountainous habitats. They inhabit high-altitude regions across 12 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

As an apex predator, the snow leopard helps regulate prey populations and maintain the ecological balance of mountain environments.

Key Facts About Snow Leopards

• Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
• Common Name: Ghost of the Mountains
• Habitat: High-altitude mountain ecosystems of Central and South Asia
• Global Range: 12 countries
• IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
• CITES Protection: Appendix I since 1975
• CMS Protection: Appendix I since 1986
• International Day: 23 October
• Proclaimed By: United Nations General Assembly in 2024

History of International Day of the Snow Leopard

In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly designated 23 October as International Day of the Snow Leopard to strengthen international and regional cooperation for the conservation of this threatened species.

The observance highlights the urgent need to prevent biodiversity loss, protect threatened wildlife and restore ecosystems that support water security, livelihoods, health and human well-being.

The day also encourages governments, conservation organisations and local communities to work together to protect snow leopards and their natural habitats.

Significance of International Day of the Snow Leopard

The observance is significant for the following reasons:

1. Biodiversity Conservation: Promotes the protection of an iconic mountain predator and its ecosystem.
2. Climate Change Awareness: Highlights the vulnerability of high-altitude habitats to climate change.
3. Habitat Protection: Encourages the preservation of mountain landscapes and wildlife corridors.
4. Community Participation: Supports cooperation with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
5. International Cooperation: Strengthens collaboration among countries sharing snow leopard habitats.
6. Sustainable Development: Contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of mountain ecosystems.

Major Threats to Snow Leopards

Snow leopards face several threats that affect their survival:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Infrastructure development, mining and other human activities disturb their habitats.
• Prey Depletion: Declining populations of wild prey force snow leopards closer to livestock and human settlements.
• Illegal Hunting and Poaching: Snow leopards are threatened by illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Retaliatory killing may occur when snow leopards attack livestock.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changes in mountain ecosystems threaten their habitats and prey availability.

Conservation Efforts for Snow Leopards

Snow leopard conservation requires coordinated action at national, regional and international levels.

Major initiatives include:

• Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP): Promotes cooperation among snow leopard range countries to conserve the species and its ecosystems.
• Bishkek Declaration (2017): Emphasised cooperation among snow leopard range countries for protecting snow leopards and mountain ecosystems.
• Samarkand Resolution (2024): Advanced regional cooperation on snow leopard conservation and climate adaptation.
• National Conservation Plans: Range countries, including India, Nepal and Bhutan, have developed conservation strategies and action plans.
• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): An initiative led by India to strengthen international cooperation in conserving major big-cat species.

India’s Snow Leopard Population and Conservation

India is an important snow leopard range country, with populations found across the Trans-Himalayan and Himalayan landscapes, particularly in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

According to India’s first national snow leopard population assessment, released in 2024, the country has an estimated 718 snow leopards.

Estimated Snow Leopard Population in India

State/Union Territory	Estimated Population
Ladakh	477
Uttarakhand	124
Himachal Pradesh	51
Arunachal Pradesh	36
Sikkim	21
Jammu and Kashmir	9
Total	718

The assessment was conducted under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) programme, coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India with support from relevant government agencies and conservation partners.

India’s conservation efforts include habitat protection, scientific population monitoring, community participation and measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Snow Leopard Conservation and Sustainable Development Goals

Snow leopard conservation supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

Protecting mountain ecosystems helps preserve biodiversity, sustain water resources and support the livelihoods of communities that depend on these landscapes.