Endangered Snow Leopard

About Snow Leopard

Snow leopards are the inhabitants of the mountains, semi-arid scrublands, and grasslands of central Asia, and the rocky wilderness of the Himalayas in southern Asia. They are found in areas ranging from Russian Federation to China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.

They are found to live in isolated patches in their natural habitats. Fewer than 2,500 individuals of them are believed to be alive in the wilderness, today. In 1960s, their population had declined to 1,000 individuals due to widespread poaching.

They are mighty beasts of the cat family, and are a bit smaller in size. A genuine difference that separates them from other members of the family is that they cannot roar, unlike other members of the family. The cause of this disability is being debated among the scientists.

Initially, it was thought that they could not roar because of an incomplete growth of the hyoid or the lingual bone, which helps other big cats to roar. But, experts are of different opinion, and some believe that this inability is due to other morphological causes.

They weigh between 27 to 54 kilograms, and their length is about 74 to 130 centimeters. Their coat is lined with thick, rosette-speckled fur, which has made them endangered animals.

Causes of Endangerment of Snow Leopard

Man is the main reason for their endangerment. They are widely poached for their body-parts, which are used in the traditional Chinese medicines. However, the prime motive behind their hunting is their fur-lined coat. Initially, they were hunted for their fur to make warm clothing for winters. But, nowadays, their fur is in great demand, and can fetch the premium price in the black market.

Moreover, decline in the numbers of prey such as mountain goats, wild sheep, and other herbivorous animals have created a threatening situation for them. Their main prey, marmots and pikas, are poisoned in the Tibetan plateau. Added to it, the extensive hunting of large ungulates has created a situation of food-scarcity for this animal. They are even hunted for sport as a means of recreation and amusement.

The food-scarcity has led to Snow leopards attacking livestock, which results in their killing by the angry villagers. They are nicknamed “the ghost cat of the mountains” by the villagers living at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Conservation of Endangered Snow Leopard

Conservation of natural habitat of this animal can restore their declining numbers. It has gained importance among the wildlife conservationists. Many wildlife organizations such as World Wildlife Federation (WWF), Defenders of Wildlife, and others have initiated projects for their conservation. They are equally supported in their mission by the governments of the land.

Moreover, some zoos and animal sanctuaries have created habitats for them that are safe from poachers and hunters. WWF has initiated a program for animal adoption. This idea can be of great help to the endangered Snow leopard. Your commitment to this animal can make a significant difference to them.