Snow leopards, also known as ounce, are considered “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with experts fearing that they could become extinct within the next decade. Their habitat, spread across 12 countries in Central Asia, is being destroyed by human activities including mining, logging and agriculture. The decline of their wild prey is forcing them to hunt livestock and poaching also constitutes a major threat to survival. To counteract this, a range of conservation organisations and government agencies are working to protect the snow leopards and their habitats, as well as promoting sustainable tourism and establishing conservation agreements.

Experts Fear Endangered Snow Leopard Could Become Extinct within a Decade

Snow leopards are one of the world’s most captivating creatures. They’re also one of the most elusive. These big cats inhabit the high mountains of Central Asia, a vast and rugged landscape that includes the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, and the mountain chains of western Mongolia.

Despite their beauty and fierce hunting skills, snow leopards are in trouble. In fact, experts fear they could become extinct within the decade.

The Status of Snow Leopards

Snow leopards, also known as ounce, are classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population is estimated to be between 3,000 and 7,000 individuals, spread across 12 countries in Central Asia.

The biggest threats to snow leopards are habitat loss, prey loss, and poaching. These big cats require vast areas of mountainous terrain to survive. However, their habitat is being destroyed by human activities, such as mining, logging, and agriculture. Additionally, the decline of their wild prey, such as blue sheep and ibex, is forcing them to hunt livestock. This, in turn, is causing conflict with local herders, who may kill snow leopards to protect their animals.

Poaching is another major threat to snow leopards. Their skin and bones are highly prized in traditional Asian medicine, and their bones are also used to make jewelry and other decorative items.

The Efforts to Save Snow Leopards

Despite the multitude of dangers facing them, there is hope for snow leopards. A number of conservation organizations and government agencies are working to protect them and their habitat. This includes:

• The Snow Leopard Trust, which is working to reduce conflict between snow leopards and local herders by introducing innovative conservation programs, such as the Snow Leopard Enterprises, that provides income to local communities to incentivize them to protect snow leopards.
• The World Wildlife Fund, which is working to conserve snow leopard habitat and promote sustainable tourism in Central Asia.
• The Snow Leopard Conservancy, which is working with local communities to establish conservation agreements and promote ecotourism.
• The governments of the snow leopard range countries, who have committed to working together to conserve snow leopards through the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program.

FAQs About Snow Leopards

What do snow leopards eat?

Snow leopards are carnivores and mainly feed on wild sheep and goats. They also occasionally hunt smaller mammals, such as marmots and hares, and birds.

How big are snow leopards?

Snow leopards are medium-sized cats, standing around 60 centimeters tall at the shoulders and measuring up to 1.3 meters in length. They weigh between 22 and 55 kilograms, with males being larger than females.

Where do snow leopards live?

Snow leopards live in the high mountains of Central Asia. They are found in 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Why are snow leopards endangered?

The primary threats to snow leopards are habitat loss, prey loss, and poaching.

How can we help snow leopards?

You can help snow leopards by supporting conservation organizations that are working to protect them and their habitat. You can also choose to buy products that support local communities and conservation efforts, such as the Snow Leopard Enterprises program. Lastly, you can spread the word about the importance of protecting these majestic animals.

Can snow leopards be kept as pets?

No, snow leopards are wild animals and cannot be kept as pets. It is also illegal to capture or kill snow leopards in most countries where they live.

What is being done to protect snow leopards?

Conservation organizations and governments in snow leopard range countries are working to protect snow leopards and their habitat. This includes efforts to reduce conflict between snow leopards and local herders, establish conservation agreements, promote ecotourism, and enforce laws against poaching and illegal trade.

Snow leopards are one of the planet’s most iconic and enigmatic creatures. While the situation is dire, there is still time to save these big cats. By working together, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of snow leopards.