New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- Snow leopards are found and breed all year-round in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a landmark, three-year camera trapping study conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Wildlife Protection Department of Jammu & Kashmir has confirmed.

Researchers conducted the survey between 2022 and 2025 across the Kishtwar Himalayas under the nationwide Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) protocol.

The presence of snow leopards was confirmed for the first time in earlier years. In 2024-25 though, the elusive cats were recorded during winter months in both Paddar (Jammu division) and Zojila (Kashmir division).

"This suggests year-round use of the landscape, a critical indicator of stable ...