Leh, Oct 23: In a concerted effort to safeguard one of the world’s most elusive big cats, the Fire and Fury Corps, in collaboration with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, hosted a comprehensive awareness programme on Snow Leopard conservation Thursday, coinciding with International Snow Leopard Day.
The event, held in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, drew participation from military personnel, wildlife officials, local communities, and conservation enthusiasts.
Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps, and S Rajesh, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Ladakh, were the chief guests and key speakers at the programme.
It aimed to spotlight the critical need to protect the endangered Snow Leopard, a symbol of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and a flagship species for Ladakh’s biodiversity.
In their addresses, they underscored the multifaceted initiatives underway to ensure the survival of the Snow Leopard population in the region.
Lt Gen Bhalla emphasized the Indian Army’s role in environmental stewardship, stating that the Fire and Fury Corps has been actively involved in anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs in remote trans-Himalayan areas.
A key highlight of the event was the revelation of Ladakh’s pivotal role in Snow Leopard conservation across India. With an estimated 477 individuals, the region accounts for a staggering 68% of the country’s total Snow Leopard population, making it a global hotspot for the species.
In a message shared on social media handle X, Fire and Fury Corps said, “International Snow Leopard Day 2025: Leh. On the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day, Fire and Fury Corps, in coordination with UT Administration of Ladakh, organised an awareness programme on Snow Leopard conservation, an endangered species of Ladakh.”
With an estimated 477 Snow Leopards, Ladakh is home to 68% of India’s population of this magnificent species.
Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and Mr S Rajesh, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator and Chief Wildlife Warden, Ladakh, addressed the gathering, highlighting ongoing initiatives to protect and conserve Snow Leopards in the region, the message said.
The awareness drive featured interactive sessions, documentary screenings on Snow Leopard behaviour and ecology, and distribution of educational materials to schools and villages.
International Snow Leopard Day serves as a timely reminder of the urgent global imperative to preserve this endangered apex predator.
