The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a magnificent predator and iconic symbol of the mountains of central Asia. As few as 3,500 snow leopards remain in the wild today across twelve Asian range countries. Population declines of 20% have occurred in key habitats in the last 16 years. Illegal trade snow leopard parts, habitat degradation, decrease in natural prey, and retaliatory killing in response to real or perceived conflict with livestock are all threatening this species’ survival.

Although the outlook for the snow leopards is cautious, at best, they live in some of the harshest and hardest to reach places on earth, and for this reason, there is still a chance to intercept and pull this species out of its decline. Panthera is closing the knowledge gap in jointly launching the first ever long-term comprehensive study of the species in Mongolia’s South Gobi province while also strategically surveying areas where snow leopards are likely to exist but not confirmed. Additionally, Panthera is working with local herders to reduce depredation of livestock through improved livestock husbandry practices.

To act now and contribute to Panthera’s snow leopard conservation efforts, click here.

Read Panthera's Snow Leopard Report Card: The State of the Snow Leopard.