Snow Leopard Population

January 18, 2025

Recent studies reveal that the Sanjiangyuan area in China’s Qinghai province is a critical habitat for snow leopards, hosting approximately 1,000 individuals. This region is vital for the conservation of this endangered species, as it comprises portion of their global population. The findings tell the importance of understanding snow leopard dynamics for effective conservation strategies.

Snow Leopard Habitat

The snow leopard primarily inhabits the mountains of Central and South Asia. It thrives at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 5,500 metres. The species is adapted to alpine, subalpine, and semi-arid ecosystems. Sanjiangyuan is crucial as it holds the headwaters of major rivers in Asia.

Population Estimates

Recent estimates suggest that Sanjiangyuan contains 1,000 snow leopards, representing 11-21% of the global population. The density in this area is about 0.90 individuals per 100 sq km. Two conservative estimates suggest populations of 971 and 978 snow leopards in defined regions.

Diet and Prey

Snow leopards primarily prey on bharal (blue sheep), which constitutes over 80% of their diet. The high bharal density in Sanjiangyuan contributes to the snow leopard population in the region.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies snow leopards as ‘Vulnerable’. Their status was downgraded from ‘Endangered’ in 2017, but this decision faced criticism due to potential biases in population estimates.

Threats to Survival

Snow leopards face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Livestock predation leads to retaliatory killings by herders. Additionally, illegal hunting poses risk to their population.

Research and Methodology

The recent study utilised camera trap data from various organisations collected between 2015 and 2021. This data was standardised to provide a comprehensive estimate of the snow leopard population across 360,000 sq km.

Significance of Findings

About snow leopard populations is essential for conservation planning. The research aims to establish a framework for future population assessments and enhance conservation efforts for this iconic species.

« Previous Post Next Post »