The snow leopard is renowned for its elegance. However, its majestic beauty obscures a disconcerting fact: the symbol of the mountainous regions of Central Asia is on the brink of extinction. What are the factors contributing to this decline? To understand the reasons for the decline in the number of snow leopards, it is essential to examine the main survival factors.

Why is the snow leopard disappearing?

The high price of fur and other body parts on the black market has led to a surge in the hunting of rare mountain predators. Every year, hundreds of snow leopards are targeted by poachers seeking to profit from this illicit trade.
Statistics indicate the extent of the problem. According to the TRAFFIC organization, 221 to 450 snow leopards are killed by humans annually. These figures are likely an underestimation, given the clandestine nature of poaching.
The primary concern is not only the number of individuals killed, but also the methods used in the hunting. Snow leopards often become ensnared in wire loops intended for other species, resulting in injury and death. Such hunting practices have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem, disrupting the balance of nature.

Programs to regulate the trade in wild species have been developed to combat poaching. However, the illegal sale of skins is increasingly moving online, where it is more difficult to stop.
Along with government anti-poaching measures, it is also important to engage the public. Joint efforts are necessary to prevent the disappearance of this magnificent predator from the mountainous regions of Central Asia.

HUMAN CONFLICT

Snow leopards have become a focal point for both human and wildlife interests due to their adaptation to high-mountain environments. These animals have been known to attack livestock, presenting a challenge to farmers who are protecting their property. This has led to confrontations between farmers and snow leopards.
The endangered status of the species is further compounded by the decline of their natural habitat, primarily due to construction and climate change. The construction of roads, gas pipelines, and other infrastructure has encroached upon the irbis’s habitat, gradually displacing them.
Addressing this conflict necessitates a collaborative effort by the public, government agencies, and wildlife conservation organizations to find compromises that ensure conditions for coexistence between humans and irbis.

RESCUE MEASURES

A series of measures have been implemented to prevent the extinction of the irbis, a unique species of predator, in its natural habitat. These measures include:

Systematic monitoring of the population using camera traps;
Educational activities among the local population on the importance of irbis conservation;
Establishment of reserves with protected natural areas to prevent poaching;
Development of compensation programs for farmers whose animals are attacked;
International cooperation between countries where irbis live: exchange of experience, information, resources.

Joint efforts to implement these measures are essential for preserving snow leopards for future generations and maintaining the delicate balance in nature.