Most of India’s snow leopard population lives in a remote region in the north of the country, where they co-exist alongside rural communities, according to a study that used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify individual animals.
To effectively conserve wild carnivores, researchers need accurate data on their population size and distribution. However, gathering this data has proved particularly challenging for snow leopards (Panthera uncia) because of their shy nature and preference for remote, rugged terrain.
How Camera Traps and AI Helped Track Snow Leopards in Ladakh
The study, published in the journal PLOS One assessed the population size and distribution of snow leopards across a 59,000 square kilometres landscape in Ladakh territory.
Pankaj Raina from Ladakh’s Department of Wildlife Protection and colleagues performed an intensive survey of the region for evidence of snow leopards, such as footprints, feces, and scratch marks.
They also assessed the presence of other large carnivores, such as brown bears and lynx, as well as wild herbivores and livestock.
Next, the researchers set up 956 camera traps across more than 8,500 km² of snow leopard habitat. This helped them generate accurate population estimates throughout the territory.
They used artificial intelligence to analyze the photos. The AI identified individual snow leopards based on the unique markings on their foreheads.
Camera-trapping image during the study. Credit: Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
High Snow Leopard Density in Hemis National Park Sets Global Record
The researchers estimated that Ladakh is home to 477 snow leopards, representing 68 percent of India’s total population. The density of snow leopards ranged from one to three individuals per 100 square kilometers. Hemis National Park recorded the highest snow leopard density ever documented globally.
They report that 61 percent of snow leopards in Ladakh coexist alongside human populations. In particular, resource-rich grasslands with a moderate climate and complex terrain tended to be home to a higher number of snow leopards, which is likely due to a greater availability of prey and less human disturbance.
The study is the most comprehensive population survey of snow leopards to date. The methodology could be used for regular monitoring of these elusive big cats across their global range. Additionally, the study generated a national photo library of snow leopards that could help conservationists monitor poaching and trafficking of animal parts.
Ladakh’s Snow Leopard Conservation Model: A Blueprint for Global Efforts
As a result, the authors say Ladakh’s snow leopards thrive due to several key factors. These include abundant prey, rugged and remote landscapes, low human population density, and a deep cultural respect for wildlife among local communities.
“Ladakh’s communities have a deep-rooted reverence for wildlife. Combined with economic benefits from snow leopard tourism and conflict management strategies, this helps sustain some of the world’s highest snow leopard densities. According to the authors, this model could be adapted and upscaled across the species’ entire range.”
“To photograph snow leopards’ foreheads, we had to make them pose in front of our cameras. This was done by spraying a small amount of perfume just below the cameras that were deployed near their favored scent-marking rocks on the high ridge tops. The curious leopards lower their heads to smell the novel smell and we have our prized photos!”
Fingerprinting snow leopards uses special pattern recognition software that analyzes the forehead spot patterns. It fits a 3D model to the image, stores the patterns in a database, and compares them with other photographs to find close matches.
“This reduced our work many-fold and improved the accuracy of individual identification. Accurate IDs are crucial for estimating populations using statistical models,” the authors added.