This story is from the Chennai Online Jul 02, 2009
The state government has submitted a Rs 1.40-crore project to the Centre for the protection and conservation of the endangered snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh,
According to a 2003 census report, there were only 35 snow leopards in the state. The animal is found in high altitude regions in Lahual and Spiti district.
This project for 2009-10 has been formulated after reviewing progress of the ongoing activities of the forest department at Spiti, an official release said.
A management policy was being formulated for the protected area in Spiti valley, which would also help in protecting the wild life, the minister said.
It is a great news that Himachal Govt submitted a project to centre Govt for protection and conservaton of Snow Leopard which is Flagship Species of Himalayan region and a sentinel to climate changes being at the Apex of ecological pyramid.It will serve the basic concept to consreve the unique natural heritage of high altitude wild fauna. This is an act of Govt at par with the status, a State Animal deserves.