The union territory of Ladakh will soon establish a dedicated conservation society for its snow leopards, as Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the formation of the society on Tuesday. Ladakh is home to the highest number of snow leopards in India.
New Conservation Body: SHAN
The society, named Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature (SHAN), will operate under the Department of Environment and Forests, Ladakh. It is designed to serve as a specialized institutional mechanism for wildlife conservation, scientific management of biodiversity, and community-led environmental stewardship.
Official Statements
Lieutenant Governor Saxena emphasized the importance of environmental protection in Ladakh. "Environmental protection has been one of our foremost priorities in Ladakh where fragile mountain ecosystems demand a development model that places conservation at its very core. The snow leopard is not merely a wildlife species; it is an integral part of Ladakh's ecological identity and natural heritage," he said.
According to the 2024 report of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, the country has 718 snow leopards, with Ladakh hosting 477 of them.
Broader Conservation Goals
A government spokesperson stated that the society will also promote conservation of Ladakh's unique alpine fauna, diverse flora, wetlands, and fragile cold desert ecosystems. "SHAN represents an important institutional initiative to promote science-based and community-driven conservation while ensuring that ecological preservation and sustainable livelihoods progress hand-in-hand," Saxena added.
The establishment of SHAN marks a significant step towards protecting Ladakh's natural heritage and ensuring sustainable development in the region.
