- Recently, the Bhairon ghati area of Uttarkashi has been declared a conservation centre for a species referred to as the ‘Ghost of the Mountains’. Which one of the
following animals does this refer to?
(1) Marbled cat (2) Himalayan ibex
(3) Southern kiang (4) Snow leopardThe phrase ‘Ghost of the Mountains’ refers to the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), a solitary and secretive predator found in the high-altitude regions of Central and South Asia, including the Indian Himalayas. Its nickname comes from its ability to blend seamlessly into rocky, snowy terrains, making it nearly invisible to both prey and people.
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: Snow leopards are masters of camouflage and rarely seen, even by seasoned wildlife researchers.
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: As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of high-altitude ecosystems by controlling herbivore populations.
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: Revered in local folklore and considered a symbol of the wild, untouched Himalayas.
Bhairon Ghati is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, within the upper reaches of the Himalayas. This region is characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and snow-clad peaks—ideal habitat for the snow leopard.
Declaring Bhairon Ghati as a conservation centre for the snow leopard aims to:
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: Safeguard the natural environment crucial for the snow leopard’s survival.
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: Enable scientific studies on snow leopard behavior, population, and ecology.
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: Involve local people in conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable coexistence.
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: Attract responsible wildlife tourism, providing economic incentives for conservation.
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: A small wild cat found in Southeast Asia and parts of Northeast India, not known as the ‘Ghost of the Mountains.’
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: A wild goat species of the Himalayas, but not referred to by this nickname.
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: A wild ass found in the Tibetan plateau, not the ‘Ghost of the Mountains.’
Despite its mystique, the snow leopard faces serious threats:
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: Due to infrastructure development and climate change.
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: For its beautiful fur and body parts.
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: When snow leopards prey on livestock, they are sometimes killed by herders.
India is a signatory to the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), a multi-country initiative to secure the future of snow leopards across their range. Establishing dedicated conservation centres like Bhairon Ghati is a testament to this commitment.
The ‘Ghost of the Mountains’ is the snow leopard, and Bhairon Ghati’s new status as a conservation centre is a milestone for this magnificent and mysterious species.
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1 Comment
Kajal
November 6, 2025Snow leopard