The 74th Wildlife Week was formally launched in Himachal Pradesh today by PCCF (Wildlife) Amitabh Gautam, with a strong message of wildlife conservation and public participation. The theme of this year’s Wildlife Week is “Human–Animal Co-existence”, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with wildlife and preserve the natural balance. Inaugurating the week-long celebrations via video conference, PCCF Gautam interacted with officers from all wildlife divisions of the state. During the session, participants took a pledge to protect wildlife and raise awareness throughout the week. Gautam highlighted that many species are nearing extinction, and both government efforts and community participation are essential for meaningful conservation.
Snow Leopard Status Report Released
A key highlight of the inauguration was the release of the report titled “Status of Snow Leopard in Himachal Pradesh – 2025.” The report, prepared by the Wildlife Wing in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Bengaluru, estimates the presence of 83 snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh, covering a study area of 26,112 sq km. This is a positive increase compared to the 2021 survey. The study also brought exciting news—two wild species have been recorded for the first time in Himachal: the Woolly Flying Squirrel and the Pallas’s Cat. These findings are significant additions to the state’s biodiversity records.
Spiti Gets UNESCO Recognition
Gautam also shared that Spiti, a cold desert region in Himachal Pradesh, has been recently added to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Network. He called this a matter of great pride for the state and a global acknowledgment of Himachal’s rich ecological value. Addressing the officials and community members connected virtually, Gautam urged local communities, students, and civil society to support the government’s conservation mission. He called for collective responsibility and asked all stakeholders to promote the message of conservation during Wildlife Week and beyond. He also stressed the need for educational outreach, especially among youth and women’s groups.
Week-Long Awareness Activities
From October 2 to 8, several events will be organized across the state to engage people in wildlife awareness and appreciation. These include:
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Painting and essay competitions
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Debates and speech contests
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Photography exhibitions
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Short nature treks and birdwatching sessions
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Collaborative events with schools, panchayats, and women’s self-help groups
PCCF Gautam directed field officers to conduct these activities in partnership with educational institutions, Panchayati Raj bodies, and other departments, ensuring maximum public involvement.
