The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a prominent species of large cat that inhabits the mountains of Central Asia. Notably, it is the only species of its family that has adapted to thrive in snowy highlands.
However, the irbis’s inaccessible terrain has rendered it vulnerable to a decline in population, leading to its classification as an endangered species. Urgent measures are imperative to ensure the preservation of this elegant species.

In the 20th century, specialists expressed extreme concern about the species’s fate, leading to its listing on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and in the annex to the CITES Convention, which prohibits trade in endangered animals. The preservation of the integrity and diversity of nature is a key task of this organization.
In Russia, the irbis has been included in the Red Book and given the status of "endangered species." This status necessitates the implementation of specialized measures to study and protect the irbis, with a focus on achieving population stabilization and, subsequently, growth.

Gradually, the leopards were incorporated into conservation documents in all 12 range countries. Currently, hunting of the irbis is strictly prohibited by law in each of these countries, and violation of the ban is severely penalized. By 2013, all snow leopard range countries had joined the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) activities.

These activities are crucial for addressing the challenges associated with developing high-mountain regions and fostering conservation efforts for the irbis. The program’s authors and participants are committed to addressing the needs of both animals and local communities. It encompasses programs for the rehabilitation and release of injured animals back into their natural habitats, as well as for their captive breeding and care.

The word "irbiz" is of Turkic origin, having entered the Russian language through merchants who adopted it from the term used by Turkic hunters. In Tuva, the animal is called "irbish"; in Semirechye, it is known as "ilbers"; and in the areas bordering China, it is referred to as "irviz."

WHERE THE SNOW LEOPARD LIVES

The irbis is found in 12 Asian countries, including Russia, Mongolia, China, Nepal, India, and the mountainous regions of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Kyrgyzstan. This species is notoriously difficult to study in the wild due to its secretive nature and low population density.
The global population of snow leopards is estimated to be between 4,000 and 7,000 individuals. The exact population size remains uncertain due to the inaccessibility of many habitats and the difficulty of studying and protecting the species. There are known areas where snow leopards have disappeared permanently, indicating the challenges in studying and protecting this species.

Russia is home to more than 2% of the world’s snow leopard population in the Altai-Sayan mountain country on the border with China and Mongolia in the regions of the republics of Altai, Tyva, Buryatia, and the south Of the Krasnoyarsk Territory only within the boundaries of the Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve.

There are about 1,000 individuals in Mongolia. Here it can be found in the Mongolian Altai and Gobi Altai and in the Khangai Mountains.

China is home to the world’s largest population of snow leopards, numbering from 2 to 2.5 thousand individuals. They are most often found in the mountains of Pamir, Tien Shan, Karakorum, Kashmir, Kunlun and the Himalayas.

The snow leopard population in Nepal is 300−400 individuals. They are found here from the Kangchenjunga Specially Protected Area (KCA) in the east to the Api Nampa Specially Protected Area (ANCA) in the west.

There are about 300−500 snow leopards in India.

About 200−420 snow leopards live in Pakistan in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

There are about 100−200 individuals in Kazakhstan.

There are 300−500 individuals in Tajikistan.

There are 30−40 snow leopards in Uzbekistan.

The number of snow leopards in Afghanistan is unknown, but camera traps have recorded the presence of snow leopards in Wakhan.

The population of the snow leopard in Bhutan is estimated at about 100-200 animals distributed over an area with a potential area of 10,000 km2.

There are 200−300 individuals in Kyrgyzstan. The habitat of the snow leopard in the Kyrgyz Republic covers all regions of the country, both the Tien Shan Mountains and the northern Pamir-Alai ranges (Alai, Trans-Alai and Turkestan ranges).

Learn more about headcount in Russia

HOW AN IRBIS LIVES

Snow leopards are found in mountainous terrain at altitudes ranging from 500 to 6,000 meters above sea level, preferring areas with rock massifs, gorges, and alpine meadows. These animals avoid deep, loose snow and typically travel and hunt in low-snow areas, such as along the leeward sides of ridges. If possible, the leopard will use well-trodden animal paths.
The climate at such altitudes is complicated, but the irbis has adapted perfectly to both frost and the thin mountain air. The thick, warm fur protects from cold, and the special structure of the nostrils and sinuses helps protect the respiratory system from the cold air.

The Bars is perfectly insulated, and its luxurious fur with a thick undercoat saves it from frosts. The spots on its fur are not merely aesthetic; they serve a camouflage function, helping the animal blend into its surroundings. Its elongated tail, which is longer than its body, aids in balance while navigating rocky terrain, functioning as a rudder. The irbis’s powerful, relatively short legs are well-suited for hunting and controlling its territory, enabling it to traverse vast distances.

An adult irbis is a solitary creature, occupying a defined territory. It is most active in the twilight hours, both before and after sunset, when it engages in hunting and territorial patrols, leaving distinctive traces in its wake. During daylight hours, the irbis retires to secluded locations, such as caves or rock crevices, where it spends its time resting.

WHAT IT EATS

The snow leopard’s diet consists primarily of large ungulates, including species such as Siberian mountain goats and Altai mountain sheep, also known as argali. In addition to these, it has been observed preying on maral and roe deer.
A leopard typically engages in prey that is comparable in size or larger than itself, demonstrating its ability to handle more substantial opponents. A single successful hunt provides sufficient sustenance for several days. In the absence of large ungulates, the leopard will readily consume smaller prey such as gophers or pikas, or even birds like the Altai Ular.

HOW A SNOW LEOPARD HUNTS

The irbis is a solitary hunter that utilizes surprise attacks, predominantly from elevated positions. It has the capacity to patiently wait for extended periods for its prey. It employs jumps to catch up with its targets, but if it misses, it will not recapture the prey for a significant duration. The irbis possesses the ability to handle prey that is three times its weight.

In certain instances, the availability of prey in the wild may be inadequate. In such scenarios, the Altai irbis has been known to attack livestock, which results in conflicts with local residents, specifically the owners of these livestock.

POTTERY

The mating season for snow leopards occurs in late winter and early spring, and locating a suitable partner in the expansive mountain terrain is a significant challenge. Mating calls and visual signals, such as scuff marks on tree trunks and scent marks on rocks, facilitate communication among the cats.

The male does not participate in offspring care, and his involvement with the female is brief, typically lasting a few days. The female then finds a secluded den and gives birth to one to three kittens. It is rare for a female to give birth more than once every two years.

The kittens are born blind and helpless, and for the first six months, they are completely dependent on their mother. During this time, they are fed milk and do not leave the den. The female prepares the grown-up kittens for independent life by bringing prey and allowing them to hone their hunting skills on her tail.
By the age of two, the new generation of snow leopards becomes fully independent, and the grown-up kittens separate from their mother to establish their own territory and prepare to establish a family. At this point, the female is also ready for a new mate.

THREATS TO THE SPECIES

Poaching for pelts and animal parts

Accidental poaching - falling into loops and traps set on other animals

Decrease in the number of wild ungulates - the main prey of the snow leopard

Conflict between irbis and herders who, in protecting livestock, may retaliate against the predator

Habitat destruction due to anthropogenic activities

Climate change

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INTERESTING FACTS

Irbis exhibit timidity towards humans. Even in cases of injury, attacks on humans are extremely rare. In the USSR, only two cases of irbis with rabies and emaciation were recorded. There are documented cases in India of irbis defending their kittens and of an irbis being cornered and wounded.

Doesn't attack humans

Snow leopards are capable of incredible jumps up to six meters in length and three meters in height.

Snow leopards are very bouncy

Genetic testing has confirmed that, from a biological standpoint, the closest relative of the snow leopard is the tiger.

It is more brother to a tiger than a leopard

Unlike most members of the cat family.

Pupils are round, not vertical

Snow leopards, because of the structure of the larynx, are not able to emit a rolling roar like tigers; rather, the sound is more like a grunt. Neither can they meow.

Can't growl like a tiger

The holiday was established in 2013 at the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystems Protection meeting in Bishkek. The Altai Republic has been celebrating its Snow Leopard Day since May 26, 2010, when the inaugural "Land of the Snow Leopard" festival was held.

October 23 - International Snow Leopard Day

The official name of the badge is "Conqueror of the Highest Mountains of the USSR", established in 1967.

Mountaineers from the USSR were awarded the title “Snow Leopard”

Two hockey clubs, whose teams play in the KHL, are named in honor of the snow leopard: Ak Bars Kazan (translated from Tatar as “white leopard”), founded in 1956, and Barys from Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Snow leopards and sports

Republic of Khakassia, Shusha District, Krasnoyarsk Territory

The image of the snow leopard on the coat of arms