International Snow Leopard Day

International Snow Leopard Day was celebrated on October 23.

• Aim : to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and the challenges they face, such as poaching and habitat loss.

About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

• Found in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, spanning 12 range countries, including India.
• In India, they inhabit the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN : Listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.​
• CITES : Included in Appendix I, indicating a high level of protection against international trade.​
• India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Schedule I, providing the highest degree of protection.​