International Snow Leopard Day 2025.

International Snow Leopard Day 2025.
Leh, 23rd October 2025 –: The Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment in collaboration with Indian Army, WWF and Lamdon School Leh celebrated International Snow Leopard Day at various locations across U.T Ladakh aiming to raise awareness and dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity to honour the Snow Leopard, the ultimate mountain athlete.
The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Report 2024 estimates 718 snow leopards in India, with Ladakh hosting the highest population of about 477. As the State Animal of Ladakh, the Snow Leopard’s conservation remains vital to protecting the region’s unique high-altitude ecosystem.
The commemoration started with an event organised by Fire and Fury Corps wherein Sh. S. Rajesh, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/ Chief Wildlife Warden addressed the gathering, highlighting the ongoing initiatives to protect and conserve Snow Leopard in the region. Later he attended a program organised by WWF-India in Lamdon School Leh where students from various schools participated.
The celebration spanned multiple forest ranges under the Leh Forest Division. At Army Camp, Nidder, the event was organized by Nyoma Forest Range which included a briefing about the event, yoga session, and a brisk walk reflecting the grace of the “Ghost of the Mountains”. Durbuk Forest Range celebrated at Man village near Pangong Lake, with Shri K.K. Jha, IFS (Retd.), former PCCF, Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. In Khalsi Range, students of Hr. Sec. School Khalsi joined a 23-minute nature walk and awareness campaign at Skindyang village, while in Leh Range, around 30–40 nuns participated in the event at Urgainling Monastery, Shey village.
The Wildlife Protection Division, Kargil organized a Snow Leopard Awareness Rally from Govt. High School, Baroo to the Nature Interpretation Centre, Kargil. In addition, a village-level awareness programme was conducted by the field staff at Sangrah to sensitize the local community about Snow Leopard conservation and wildlife protection.