Snow Leopard Photographed in Uttarakhand's Darma Valley, First Sighting Since 2022
In a significant development for wildlife conservation, a snow leopard has been sighted and photographed in the upper Darma Valley of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district. Forest officials confirmed on Monday that this marks the animal's first recorded appearance in the area since 2022, highlighting a rare and encouraging event for regional biodiversity.
Documentation by Conservation Team
The elusive snow leopard was captured on camera last month by a dedicated team from Hidden Himalayas of Uttarakhand, a non-profit organization actively engaged in the conservation of high-altitude Himalayan flora and fauna within the Darma Valley. The photographs, which were officially released on Sunday, provide clear visual evidence of the leopard's presence.
Jayendra Singh Firmal, convener of the organization, elaborated on the discovery, stating, "An eight-member team successfully spotted and photographed the snow leopard on January 26. The last documented sighting of a snow leopard in this specific area dates back to 2022."
Ecological Significance and Monitoring Efforts
Pithoragarh divisional forest officer Ashutosh Singh emphasized the importance of this sighting, noting, "The forest department is proactively installing camera traps to monitor the animal's movements and behavior. The confirmed presence of a snow leopard serves as a positive indicator of the rich biodiversity and ecological health within the Darma Valley."
Adding expert insight, former forest officer Manoj Chandran explained the snow leopard's habitat and ecological role:
- The snow leopard is classified as a trans-Himalayan species, primarily inhabiting snow-clad, rocky terrains at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 metres.
- During the winter months, these majestic animals often descend to lower altitudes in search of prey and suitable conditions.
- Their diet typically includes animals such as blue sheep and Himalayan tahr, which are integral to the region's food web.
- The species is distributed across various mountain ranges in Central and South Asia, with its presence directly reflecting a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
Additional Wildlife Observation
In a related discovery, the conservation team also reported spotting a snowcock during their expedition. This rare high-altitude Himalayan bird species is typically found at elevations similar to the snow leopard's habitat, further underscoring the area's ecological diversity and conservation value.
The combined sightings of the snow leopard and snowcock reinforce the critical need for ongoing conservation initiatives and habitat protection in the high-altitude regions of Uttarakhand, ensuring these species continue to thrive in their natural environments.
