DHARAMSHALA, August 2 — Forest officials and wildlife researchers recorded the first-ever photographic evidence of a snow leopard inside the Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.
The image was captured by camera traps installed at high altitudes within the sanctuary. Snow leopards are typically found in the high Himalayas, and this sighting extends their known habitat range into the lower ranges of the Dhauladhar mountains.
Wildlife experts stated that the sighting indicates a healthy ecosystem and a sufficient prey base of ibex and blue sheep in the region. The forest department announced plans to increase surveillance and mapping in the area to protect the endangered species.
Environment and ecology topics are frequently featured in UPSC and SSC exams. Candidates should note that the snow leopard (scientific name Panthera uncia) is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.