Snow leopards are keystone species. The total population of snow leopards in the wild is estimated to be just 4,000-6,500, which means that they are listed as an endangered species. … Characteristics of the Snow Leopard According to the article on snow leopards, why are snow leopards in endangered species? With two grants from The Christensen Fund, the Snow Leopard Conservancy and its partners launched a detailed project to strengthen biodiversity conservation in Tajikistan, especially in regard to snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep as keystone species for the Pamir mountain ecosystem… It inhabits one of the harshest environments on earth, dwelling in the high, cold, barren, mountains of Inner Asia from the Himalaya and the Tibetan Plateau to the Pamirs, Tian Shan, Altai and the mountain ranges of the Gobi Desert and central Mongolia. Protecting them and their habitats will result in a cascade of benefits to the rich diversity of plant and animal species that also call these landscapes home. We are a non-profit organization with headquarters in Sonoma, California and Ladakh, India. Despite this similarity, the closest relative to the snow leopard is the subject of much debate. The snow leopard is a keystone species in mountain ecosystems of Central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau. Let’s find out what caused this decline in population. ii. Snow leopards are … This causes soil erosion, major runoff after rainfall, and replacement of native species with plants such as weeds. A. i. only B. ii. If snow leopards thrive so will countless other species, as well as the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the rivers flowing down from Central Asia's mountains. The scientific name for this species is Panthera uncia. i. Mountain Cultures, Keystone Species - CAT / Snow Leopard Conservancy 3 species in the Pamir, as well as ecosystems. Farmers and ranchers often kill snow leopards that are looking for food. In particular, illegal hunting of Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan and neighboring … A long tail provides balance and agility … Snow leopards are solitary creatures, and skillful predators, able to kill prey up to three times their own weight in challenging terrain. A recent research paper in the Journal of Heredity reveals that there are three sub-species of snow leopard. In this article, we will explore some key facts about this majestic creature and lift the lid on exactly why Snow Leopards are endangered. However, little is known about the interactions between snow leopards and sympatric carnivores. Their wide, fur-covered feet distribute their weight over soft snow, like natural snowshoes. Local Farmers are already facing the impact of the declining Snow Leopard population!