Species in News: Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Context:
Recent research has revealed new insights into the genetics of the Snow Leopard called the "ghost of the mountains."
Key Findings of a New Stanford-led Study:
Snow leopards have the lowest genetic diversity of any big cat species, even lower than cheetahs.
Reason for Low Diversity is likely due to a persistently small population size throughout their evolutionary history, rather than recent inbreeding.
The species has undergone an effective "purging" of bad mutations over many generations.
Despite being genetically less diverse, they have a lower load of potentially harmful genes compared to several other big cat species.
However, their low genetic diversity and small population size may hinder their ability to adapt to future challenges.
Conservation Status and Distribution
IUCN Status is Vulnerable.
Global Population is estimated between 4,500 to 7,500 individuals.
It inhabits the rugged mountain ranges of 12 Asian countries.
Distribution in India:
India is home to an estimated 718 snow leopards, accounting for 10-15% of the global population.
State-wise break-up: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9)
Conservation Efforts in India
Project Snow Leopard is a dedicated conservation program by the Government of India.
The local communities in snow leopard habitats are key partners in conservation efforts.
Unique Feature
The snow leopard is distinguished by an unusually long tail, which it uses like a rudder to maintain balance while navigating its rough, mountainous terrain.
Threats
Climate change and habitat loss.
Decline in the availability of primary prey (e.g., Siberian ibex)
Retaliatory killings due to livestock predation.
Poaching for their skin.
Large-scale infrastructure projects near international borders are a significant threat in India.