International Snow Leopard Day and ‘#23for23’ Initiative

• 25 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

India celebrated International Snow Leopard Day on 23rd October 2025 with a unique nationwide campaign titled ‘#23for23’, which encouraged people to dedicate 23 minutes to physical activity in order to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile high-altitude habitats. 

Key Points 

• About the Initiative: The campaign ‘#23for23’ was launched to symbolize 23 minutes of active participation for the year 2023, promoting awareness and public engagement in wildlife conservation. 
  • It was organized under the aegis of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) in collaboration with the Snow Leopard Trust Worldwide. 
• India’s Conservation Achievements:  
  • The first-ever Snow Leopard Census conducted across the Indian Himalayas recorded 718 individual snow leopards, out of which 477 are in Ladakh. 
  • India has identified snow leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude Himalayas.  
• International Snow Leopard Day: It came into being in 2013, following the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in Kyrgyzstan where 12 countries that host snow leopard populations agreed to collaborate in their conservation efforts. 
• Countries Hosting Snow Leopards: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 

 

Facts About Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia) 

• About: Medium-sized cats known for their elusive nature and ability to thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments. 
• Habitat: Native to mountains of Central and South Asia, typically found at elevations between 9,800 and 17,000 feet. 
  • Population estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 individuals in the wild. 
• Feature: Possess thick, greyish-white fur that provides camouflage against snow and rocks. 
• Ecological Importance: Serve as top predators and Indicator species, as their presence reflects the health of their high-altitude ecosystems. 
  • Their kills provide food for scavengers like vultures and wolves, supporting other species.