Eurasian Lynx Spotted in Sikkim: 1st-Ever Camera Trap Pic of Rare Wild Cat Captured
A camera trap in North Sikkim has captured the first-ever photographic record of the elusive Eurasian lynx in the state. Shared by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan, the image was recorded during the Snow Leopard and Rangeland Monitoring Programme on the Tso Lhamo Plateau at 5,250 metres, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in India.
A rare camera trap image of a Eurasian lynx captured in the high-altitude landscapes of North Sikkim has excited wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. Shared by Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan on X, the sighting marks the first-ever photographic record of the elusive wild cat in Sikkim, making it a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in India.
The image was recorded during the long-term Snow Leopard and Rangeland Monitoring Programme, jointly conducted by the Sikkim Forest and Environment Department and WWF-India. The camera trap captured the elusive predator on the Tso Lhamo Plateau in North Sikkim at an altitude of around 5,250 metres.
Eurasian Lynx Spotted in Sikkim
Ghosts of the mountains do exist.
The first-ever photographic record of the elusive Eurasian Lynx in Sikkim is a significant moment for India’s wildlife conservation story. Every such discovery reminds us how much nature still has to reveal.
🐆🏔️
It was captured by a camera… pic.twitter.com/dziwcEBscj
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 1, 2026
'Ghosts of the Mountains Do Exist': Eurasian Lynx Spotted in Sikkim
Sharing the image on X, Kaswan wrote: "Ghosts of the mountains do exist." He further highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating: "The first-ever photographic record of the elusive Eurasian Lynx in Sikkim is a significant moment for India's wildlife conservation story. Every such discovery reminds us how much nature still has to reveal."
A Rare Himalayan Predator
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is the largest of the four lynx species found across Europe and Asia. Recognised by its tufted ears, thick spotted coat, broad paws and short tail, the solitary predator inhabits remote forests, alpine meadows and rugged mountain landscapes.
Its secretive behaviour and preference for inaccessible terrain make confirmed sightings exceptionally rare.
Presence in India
In India, the Eurasian lynx is found only in a handful of high-altitude Himalayan regions, including parts of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and now Sikkim.
Because of its elusive nature and the challenging landscapes it occupies, researchers depend heavily on camera traps to monitor its presence, study its distribution and gather data that can support future conservation efforts.
The post quickly drew admiration on social media, with users celebrating the rare documentation of the species and applauding the efforts of forest officials and conservationists.
Many described the image as a reminder of the hidden wildlife that continues to thrive in India's remote mountain ecosystems and highlighted the importance of sustained conservation initiatives and scientific monitoring to protect these fragile habitats.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 11:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
