Locating snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh has become a source of living for many unemployed youth in the tribal region of Lahaul and Spiti valley.
Also identified as ‘grey ghost’, this elusive cat inhabiting high mountainous region is viewed best during winter when mountain goats like the bharal come down to the valley in search of food, bringing the snow leopards on their track.
With some degree of prospect of earning, government has trained local youth to spot this ‘vulnerable’ cat and other animals without disturbing the flora and fauna of the region.
“During winters, more and more wildlife enthusiast visit Spiti valley to spot snow leopards. We charge Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from a tourist group wanting to spot the snow leopards. This is exclusive of the entire tours and excursion package. Its a good source of earning for us,” says Chhering Tashi, a graduate from Kibber village which is located 14,200 feet above sea level. Tashsi has studied the habitat of snow leopards in the region over the last three years.
“Snow leopards are so well camouflaged that you could be looking right at one without realising until it would have moved! For this it is crucial to have an excellent guide to view them,” another tour guide said.
Snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh are typically found at an altitudes between 9,800 to 17,000 feet in high and rugged terrains.They prefer to dwell in steep cliff areas, rocky outcrops and ravines. These habitats give them with camouflage they need to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Their habitation mostly ranges from Kibber wildlife sanctuary in Lahaul and Spiti to Pangi in Chamba district and Lippa Asrang in the tribal Kinnaur district.
Cold desert region in Spiti has a limited avenue for earning livelihood. Though, in the last few years, the region witnessed an increase in the number of tourist, particularly the wild life enthusiasts, who are signing up for the trek.
Snow leopards usually stalk their prey and spring from a distance of 20 – 50 feet.They are mainly active during dawn and dusk. Unlike other big cats, snow leopards are unable to roar. Solitary in nature, they pair only during the breeding season.
The wildlife wing of the state forest department in association with Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied sports in Manali has trained about 30 guides in addition to local youths from the region for leading tours to wildlife sanctuaries in the region.
“Youths have been specially trained to sight several wild animals in the region without disturbing the flora and fauna,” said Spiti divisional forest officer Rajeev Sharma. The wildlife wing of the forest department is also running a snow leopard project jointly with Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, in which the department will carry out a management plan to make livelier the habitat of snow leopards in the valley.
