Save The Snow Leopard

The Panthera Uncia, more commonly known as the Snow leopard has been an endangered species on ICUN's list since 1972. The Snow Leopard can currently be found in the high mountains of the eastern Himalayas. The Snow Leopard is able to survive such harsh conditions because of there powerful structure. Their hind legs help give the ability to scale the slopes of the mountain and their tail helps maintain balance. Although this species can be found throughout 12 countries such as China, India and Russia, according to WWF there is estimated to only be about 4,080 to 6,590 left in the world, and their population is still dropping due to various reasons. The snow leopard enjoys the high cold temperatures of the mountains and feed on sheep, ibex, and other small animals. 

Although the snow leopard is a top predator in its habitat, there are many reasons that they are becoming extinct. The main causes for the reason for their decline are humans, habitat loss, hunting, climate change and habitat fragmentation.  Snow Leopards are hunted for their bones, skin, and organs because these are seen as medicinal tools in some Asian cultures. Also Snow Leopards are hunted for their fur. In the image on the left you can see villagers holding the skin of a Snow Leopard. Snow Leopards are also killed by local farmers because they eat livestock such as sheep, goats, horses, and calves. Leopards are eating the livestock because their food source consisting of sheep, ibex, and small mammals are hunted by humans as well. Humans are also taking up the habitat due to their land for houses, roads, and farms. Another issue that the snow leopards face is climate change due to global warming. According to WWF, climate changes could result in the greatest threat to snow leopards. The organization state that, "The impacts from climate change could result in a loss of up to 30% of the Snow Leopard habitat in the Himalayas alone".  

 The snow leopard has an important role in the environment. The snow leopard helps to control the population and health of the species that they prey on. They are able to do this because they are on top of the food chain.. If the snow leopard were to cease existence, it would effect the populations and health of the large mammals that they prey on to an unhealthy level. This in turn also effects other regions surrounding that of the snow leopard habitat such as grasslands and wetlands in the Yangtze Source Region. Also if the Snow Leopard where to become extinct people would be less fearful hunting the smaller mammals in the area. 

The Nature Channel helped sponsor a documentary titled "Silent Roar: Searching For The Snow Leopard" and is a nature documentary where a team goes to not only find a Snow Leopard but film them.