Itanagar, Oct 16: A groundbreaking report has revealed the first scientifically robust estimates of the snow leopard population in Arunachal Pradesh, indicating the presence of approximately 36 individuals in the state.

Conducted by the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department in collaboration with WWF-India, the survey utilized extensive camera trapping and community interviews across 115 locations from June to December 2021. Over 80% of respondents confirmed snow leopard sightings.

The report identifies key threats to snow leopards, including accidental killing, snaring, retaliatory killings due to livestock predation, and large-scale infrastructure development. Free-ranging dogs also pose a significant risk to wildlife in high-elevation areas.

Titled “Statewide assessment of the population and density of snow leopards in Arunachal Pradesh,” the report was released on Tuesday, marking a crucial milestone in conservation efforts for this elusive species.