Why Are Snow Leopards Becoming Extinct?

Snow leopards are almost extinct due to the many threats they continually face. Most threats primarily come from humans.

Poaching

The bones and pelts of snow leopards are highly coveted for the production of rugs and clothing, making them easy targets for poaching. The various body parts of snow leopards are also used in the production of traditional Asian medicine. The skin, bones, teeth, and organs of snow leopards are sold for its medicinal properties.

Hunting and Killing

Due to the aggressive nature of snow leopards, most herders see them as pests. By nature, snow leopards can kill up to 50 sheep at a single time which is economically catastrophic for herders trying to make a living. To respond to such threats to their lifestyles, herders would resort to shooting or poisoning the snow leopards, which is another reason why snow leopards are becoming extinct.

Habitat Destruction

Snow leopards belong in the wilderness, primarily in Central Asia. They primarily inhabit the Himalayan regions and Tibet, although they have already been seen in other parts of Asia. Today, the population of snow leopards is spread across:

Mongolia
Afghanistan
India
China
Nepal
Pakistan
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Tajikistan
Kyrgyz Republic

Snow leopards prefer a solitary lifestyle and, to pursue that, they need lots of free space. In particular, a typical snow leopard will usually need about 40 sq km for hunting, strolling, mating, and taking care of their cubs. Over the years however, humans have begun to encroach areas of the wilderness therefore limiting the available space for snow leopards to thrive in.

Limited Food Sources

As predators, snow leopards commonly hunt and feed on sheep and goats. Their prey also includes:

Hares
Gazelles
Pikas
Game birds
Other livestock

These are the same animals that human hunters hunt down, and thus their food source becomes more limited. This, too, helps explain why snow leopards are becoming extinct.

Saving the Snow Leopards

Many organizations and associations, government and private, are working on special projects to conserve and protect these endangered species. Some sanctuaries and zoos all over the world have begun to create special habitats for snow leopards to protect them from hunters and poachers.

Even residents of the Himalayas are raising efforts to protect these animals that roam the cold wilderness. Referred to as the ghost cat of the mountains, these snow leopards should be allowed to roam the heights of the Himalayas where they can respond freely to the call of the wild.

Projects in Mongolia and India have also been organized and have formed teams with the local people in order to document the snow leopard’s habits for research, and eventually to set up the necessary reserves that will protect them.

People who are interested in making a difference in the conservation of the snow leopard need not shell out money. There are many creative ways to help. One can simply begin to help by writing blogs, creating art, and organizing events to build awareness about why snow leopards are becoming extinct.