Friday, June 18, 2010
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_himalayan-snow-leopard-research-centre-to-be-set-up-in-himachal-pradesh_1398211
Shimla: With an aim to boost research and conservation of snow Leopards in the country, Himachal Pradesh would soon set up an international level research centre in Spiti valley, a senior officer of state Forest department said today.
“Himalayan Snow Leopard Research Centre” would be set up in Spiti valley of tribal Lahaul & Spiti district under the scheme of integrated development of wild life, principal chief conservator of forest AK Gulati told PTI.
“The Rs5.50 crore project to be funded by Union ministry of forest and environment, would emphasis on research and training on conservation of snow Leopard”, Gulati added.
This would be the first comprehensive snow Leopard radio collaring centre in India, he said.
The centre would have a fully equipped field station laboratory with necessary instruments, he added.
Only Mongolia has such facility at present.
The HP has a population of 35 snow Leopards as per 2004 census out of which 23 is in Spiti valley itself, Gulati said.