The Snow Leopard : Low Genetic Diversity and the Challenge of Conservation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Species in news - Snow Leopard, its habitat, conservation status as per IUCN; Conservation projects - Project Snow Leopard; Genetic Diversity).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Biodiversity): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Biodiversity and its conservation. The topic of genetic diversity and the challenges of conserving a high-altitude flagship species are very relevant.
Key Highlights from the News
A new study reveals that the Snow leopard has the lowest genetic diversity among big cats globally, even lower than cheetahs.
However, this low genetic diversity is not due to recent inbreeding, but because their population has always been small throughout their evolutionary history.
This situation helped to "purge" harmful genetic mutations over generations. This is why snow leopards remain relatively healthy despite their low genetic diversity.
Challenge: Low genetic diversity may weaken the snow leopard's ability to survive new threats like climate change and habitat destruction.
Situation in India:
India has the world's third-largest snow leopard population (approximately 718), with the highest concentration in Ladakh.
India's Project Snow Leopard works for their conservation.
Extensive infrastructure development in border areas and climate change pose significant threats to snow leopards in India.
The snow leopard's IUCN Red List status is 'Vulnerable'.
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