The snow leopard, nicknamed the “ghost of the mountains,” is a marvel of elusive elegance, camouflaged among the rugged terrains of the Himalayas. In a groundbreaking effort, Indian wildlife scientists have ingeniously managed to photograph these rare big cats, unearthing insights into their mysterious existence.
The Scent of Discovery
In a clever twist of modern wildlife science, researchers harnessed the power of fragrance to lure the snow leopards into visibility. Carefully selected perfumes were sprayed near camera traps, strategically placed on the high ridge tops, favored by these leopards for their scent-marking behavior. As the curious cats lowered their heads to investigate the tantalizing scent, cameras captured their distinguishing forehead patterns—each as unique as a human fingerprint.
A Dedicated Endeavor
This meticulous study, spanning from 2019 to 2023, emerged from the dedicated efforts of scientists like Pankaj Raina and Yadvendradev V Jhala, aiming to bring these snow leopards into the light, peppered with open access to their findings in journals like PLOS One. According to Times of India, the photos would then pass through AI-driven software, CaTRAT, to accurately identify and validate each cat captured.
Shining a Light on India’s Snow Leopards
Released in 2024, the assessment revealed a population of 718 snow leopards nestled within India’s borders. Ladakh emerged as a sanctuary with a population of 477, while others were scattered across the icy expanses of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Behind the Scenes of Mounting the Cameras
The extensive two-step research endeavor covered approximately 1.2 lakh sq km via a strategic combination of spatial distribution evaluation and camera trap deployment. Among the 1,971 locations selected for this enchanting wildlife endeavor, 956 were located in Ladakh.
Technology Meets Tradition
The employment of AI in wildlife enumeration marks a pivotal moment—melding technology with age-old scientific curiosity. This approach doesn’t merely count these majestic creatures but offers a more profound connection to their world, highlighting the delicate balance of nature and the innovative strides in conservation.
Such ingenuity not only demystifies the elusive snow leopards but also enhances our collective responsibility to protect these magnificent “ghosts” and their Himalayan homes.