Snow Leopard with Kill Spotted in Suru Valley, Kargil: A Milestone for Wildlife and Eco-Tourism
Ladakh/Shimla, May 16,
Landmark moment for wildlife conservation and tourism in Ladakh, as a snow leopard was sighted with its kill—an ibex—in the Sangrah area of Suru Valley, Kargil, for the first time in March 2025. This rare and dramatic sighting was documented by seasoned wildlife explorer Maqbool Hussain Moqudasi, known for his efforts in tracking elusive species in the region .
Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, lauded the Wildlife Department and Moqudasi for this milestone. Dr. Akhoon noted that of the estimated 477 snow leopards in Ladakh, 127 are found in Kargil—a testament to the region’s thriving and largely untouched ecosystem. He emphasized that this sighting is not only a breakthrough in wildlife documentation but also a gateway to eco-tourism and local employment opportunities .
Suru Valley, which recently earned a spot on National Geographic’s list of Top 25 Global Destinations, is now emerging as a promising destination for sustainable wildlife tourism. With this latest discovery, the valley’s global significance as a biodiversity hotspot is expected to rise further. Moqudasi described the moment as “historic” for Suru Valley and stressed the importance of promoting responsible tourism to preserve the region’s fragile natural heritage. Wildlife experts believe this development could draw researchers, nature photographers, and eco-tourists from around the world, firmly establishing Kargil as a vital node in global conservation efforts .
The presence of such elusive wildlife species emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism to protect the fragile ecosystem of Suru Valley.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
