A landmark three-year camera-trapping study has confirmed the year-round presence and breeding activity of snow leopards in Jammu & Kashmir, marking a pivotal moment for high-altitude biodiversity conservation in India. Conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with the Wildlife Protection Department of Jammu & Kashmir and supported by Royal Enfield Social Mission, the study underscores the region’s critical role as a stronghold for this elusive keystone species and its fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
A Milestone for Snow Leopard Conservation
The study, conducted between 2022 and 2025 across the Kishtwar Himalayas, was part of the nationwide Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) protocol. The 2024–25 phase provided groundbreaking evidence of snow leopards in both Paddar (Jammu division) and Zojila (Kashmir division) during winter months, confirming their year-round use of the landscape. Over 3,000 camera trap nights in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), Paddar, and Zojila identified at least 12 adult snow leopards, with estimates suggesting up to 20 individuals. The discovery of a mother with cubs in Kishtwar further confirms a breeding population, signaling a stable and thriving habitat.
“This discovery reaffirms Jammu and Kashmir as a vital snow leopard stronghold,” said Dr. Shahid Hameed, Wildlife Research and Project Coordinator at NCF. “The Kishtwar Himalayas must be treated as an interconnected conservation landscape, not isolated valleys. The unwavering commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has been crucial in protecting these high-altitude ecosystems.”
A Diverse Ecosystem Revealed
Beyond snow leopards, the study documented 16 other mammal species, including the rare Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan wolf, Kashmir musk deer, Asiatic ibex, common leopard, stone marten, pika, and red fox. Notably, both snow leopards and common leopards were recorded at the same camera locations in Paddar, raising important questions about species interactions and potential range shifts driven by climate change.
These findings highlight the rich biodiversity of the region and the need for holistic conservation strategies.
Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict
The survey included a landscape-level threat assessment, with interviews conducted across over 300 households in Paddar, Warwan, Dacchan, and Marwah. Livestock depredation and crop damage emerged as significant challenges for local communities, impacting their primary livelihoods. These findings underscore the need for context-specific mitigation strategies to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring conservation efforts align with community needs.
Community Engagement at the Core
Community involvement was a cornerstone of the project. In collaboration with the Wildlife Research & Conservation Foundation (WRCF), the team conducted six outreach workshops, engaging over 1,200 participants, including students and frontline forest staff. These sessions focused on biodiversity awareness, demonstrations of field equipment, mock drills for handling human-wildlife conflict, and hands-on conservation education, empowering locals to play an active role in protecting their natural heritage.
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