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Snow leopard IUCN status decategory: endangered (2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species)
T
he current estimated total snow leopard population is around 4,ooo to 7,ooo (Fading Footprings: The Killing and Trade
of Snow Leopards, 2003)
Due to the inaccessibility of much of the snow leopards habitat the exact numbers left in the wild is unknown, but some
estimates place the figure as low as 4,500 to 5000. The decline in population has, in the past, been mainly due to the snow
leopards much sought after fur and although the animal is protected in most areas, local hunting and trapping still remains
a threat.
As with the Tiger, the snow leopard is still hunted for its bones, which are commonly used in many Chinese medicines and
this, along with the enforced decline of many of the cats larger prey species, places continuing pressure on the remaining
numbers of snow leopard left in the wild. Because of this, the snow leopard is listed in the IUCN's Red List of Threatened
Animals as Endangered and it is probable that without continuing action by many of the world's conservation organisations
they may become extinct in the wild.
Uncontrolled hunting is a threat to the snow leopard through its range. Although fully protected by national and international
laws. Uncontrolled hunting to protect livestock and poaching for trophies and bones are helping to cause the snow leopard's
rapid decline. HTraps set for other fur-bearing animals have also been known to catch snow leopards. Once caught, the snow
leopards are often killed by the hunters for their pelts. Human development, such as agriculture, puts pressure on the environment.
More domestic sheep and goats leave less pasture for their wild cousins, which in turn leaves less wild prey for the snow
leopard.
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