Kunjees^® News

Elusive snow leopard spotted in Lippa-Asra wildlife sanctuary

Researchers have discovered snow leopards inhabiting along Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, suggesting an increase in the population of the species. A snow leopard was spotted at a height of about 4,000 metres in Lippa-Asra wildlife sanctuary in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh for the first time, signifying that there is plenty of prey for the wild cats. The rare sighting was captured by a camera-trap installed in May this year by the state wildlife department.

It was only last year that the snow leopard improved from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable' in terms of conservation status. The recent findings have ascertained that snow leopards are inhabiting new areas. The population of snow leopard is estimated at 30 in the state. The Lippa-Asra wildlife sanctuary is located at a height of around 4,000 metres while snow leopards are usually found between 9,800 and 17,000 feet in high and rugged terrain

Read More: NDTV, ANI News, The Hindustan Times