A majestic sight: Thirty-six snow leopards now call Arunachal home

Guwahati: Camera traps placed at high-altitude locations above 3,000 meters in Arunachal Pradesh have been able to capture 36 snow leopards.

The state-wide population assessment surveys for snow leopards were conducted by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with WWF-India and were part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment of India (SPAI). This first-of-its-kind exercise has provided interesting insights into the presence and distribution of the high-altitude fauna and established the baselines for the population of snow leopards in the state.

Camera trapping was conducted from June 24 to December 9, 2021, covering 115 locations across Arunachal Pradesh. The report was released today by state Forest Minister Wangki Lowang. A total of 282 interviews were conducted in 160 locations (from hamlets, villages, and grazing camps to townships), covering 293 grids (10 km × 10 km), forming the area of the interviewees’ knowledge.

The study, which spans high-altitude regions above 3,000 meters, involved extensive camera trapping and interviews with local herders and ex-hunters across the state. According to the report, the snow leopard population is now estimated at 36 individuals, with a density of 0.26 snow leopards per 100 sq km. The survey covered over 115 locations across the state’s vast, rugged terrain, where the snow leopard is referred to as the “ghost of the mountains” due to its reclusive nature.

The findings indicate that despite the difficult terrain, snow leopards thrive in the Tawang and Bomdila regions, where 40 sightings were recorded through camera traps.

Arunachal Pradesh’s potential snow leopard habitat is estimated at approximately 15,181 sq km. “These findings are a springboard for future conservation actions. Our commitment to protecting the snow leopard and its habitat must be unwavering, and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders remains paramount,” says Ravi Singh, CEO of WWF-India.

The study identified people who access the high-elevation subalpine and alpine areas (> 3,500 m) periodically for transhumance, hunting, and medicinal and aromatic plant collection, as they are most likely to come across the snow leopard habitat and evidence of its presence. For the present purpose, Brokpas (nomadic yak and sheep herders in Tawang and West Kameng districts) and ex-hunters in each location were considered the ideal respondents.

The ‘Bharal’ or ‘Himalayan Blue Sheep’ (Pseudois nayaur) is endemic to the Himalayan and Tibetan Regions and are the principle food source for snow leopards and the Asiatic Wild Fox. In the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), blue sheep are mostly found on the southern slopes from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The blue sheep plays a critical role in maintaining the food chain. It is primarily a grazer, but they turn to herbs and shrubs during periods of grass shortage. Crucially, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN list, which ensures that there is no immediate threat to the primary food of the snow leopard.

Community Collaboration: Local herding communities played an instrumental role in the assessment. Over 80% of interviewees confirmed snow leopard sightings, underscoring the species’ continued presence. Yet, threats persist. Infrastructure development in West Kameng and Tawang, combined with the presence of free-ranging dogs, poses serious dangers to snow leopard habitats.

“None of the respondents perceived snow leopards as a significant threat to their livestock. There have been very few instances of snow leopards preying upon livestock. The primary threat to livestock across the state is the Asiatic wild dog. However, free-ranging dogs are an even more significant threat to livestock in the high-altitude regions of Tawang and West Kameng districts,” the report said.

The report stated that the primary motivation for locals in all the surveyed districts (except West Kameng and Tawang) to visit the snow leopard habitat is to hunt musk deer, followed by Cordyceps collection. Most people visiting the snow leopard habitat in West Kameng and Tawang are herders, followed by Cordyceps collectors.

Threats: “The biggest threat to snow leopards is accidental killing/snaring in all the surveyed districts except West Kameng and Tawang, where retaliatory killing is the primary threat, followed by accidental killing/snaring,” the report said.

The report pointed out that the development of large-scale infrastructure and the rise in the population of feral dogs pose a serious threat to the wildlife in high-elevation areas of West Kameng and Tawang districts.

Eleven of the surveyed tribes (except Lisu) traditionally have a taboo on hunting big cats for various beliefs. Due to the spread of Christianity in most districts, the protection of big cats due to traditional beliefs is reducing.

Decline in hunters: The report says the number of skilled hunters in most villages in every district is drastically reducing with every generation. “The younger generations, with better access to education, prefer to move to bigger towns and cities for government or private jobs. More jobs are available in remote villages (road laborers, guides, or porters for defense agencies, private contractors, etc.), providing a steady income supply to the locals. Some of these factors are responsible for reducing the instances of hunting,” the report said.

A Path Forward for Conservation: The report provides baselines of the snow leopards in Arunachal Pradesh to establish a long-term monitoring plan for them. It also provides a foundation for establishing a conservation program. In addition, the insights and perspectives of the local communities for conservation, for which Arunachal Pradesh is already a pioneer and a leading example to emulate.

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