Snow Leopard Conservation
The mysterious snow leopard is known as the ghost of the Asian mountains. Their thick silver-grey coat makes them the perfect predator for snow-capped mountainous environments.
Snow leopards are found in 12 countries in central Asia with scientists placing population estimates as low as 3,920 – 6,390[1] remaining in the wild today. Snow leopards are extremely difficult to study due to their elusive nature and the remoteness of their natural range.
Snow leopards are considered to be an apex predator and are capable of taking down prey three times their size. Despite this, snow leopards are the least likely of all the big cats to attack humans.
A snow leopard’s sole predator is man. Humans often kill snow leopards in retaliation for killing their livestock.
These elusive cats are also threatened by habitat fragmentation as human populations grow and expand into their wild territories. The change in land use to sustain mining concessions and resource extraction industries also pose an acute threat to the species alongside climate change.
Help DSWF save snow leopards by donating.
Or
You can help by adopting a snow leopard today.
Scientists believe that snow leopard populations are as low as between 3,920 – 6,390 snow leopards remain in the wild.

Image Credit: James Kydd

Image Credit: Surya Ramachandran
Protecting Snow Leopards
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has been a proud supporter of the snow leopard for many years, partnering with ground-based conservation experts in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan.
By funding holistic conservation initiatives, DSWF are working alongside communities, governments and conservation experts in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia to provide snow leopards with the most robust form of protection to ensure they have a secure future.
We work to protect existing snow leopard habitats by ensuring key areas are protected without threats from human and industrial encroachment. Without the room they need to hunt and survive, populations don’t stand a chance of recovering.
We also support our ground-based conservation partners to undertake a rigorous scientific study to further develop vital scientific data about snow leopards.
Find out more about how DSWF is working to protect snow leopards.
“Climate change and industrial land use pose two of the biggest threats to the snow dependant ‘ghosts of the mountains’ and, if left unchecked, could have serious implications for the survival of this elusive big cat.”
Georgina Lamb, Chief Executive at David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
-
Why are snow leopards endangered?
Find out moreLearn more about the threats facing the endangered snow leopard in their rugged mountain landscapes.
-
Protecting snow leopards
Learn moreDSWF is working to protect snow leopards in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan. We have helped communities set up new snow leopard reserves.
-
Learn more about snow leopards
Snow leopard factsEver wonder why snow leopards are referred to as ‘the ghost of the mountains?’ Learn more about secretive snow leopards here.
-
Adopt a snow leopard
AdoptHelp protect snow leopards by adopting today. You will receive a certificate, information, an exclusive wildlife art print, and the option of a handmade toy.
How to help snow leopards
Thank you for supporting our vital work – your donation will help keep the rugged mountains of Asia full of snow leopards.
Donate to Snow Leopards
With your donations DSWF will continue to support the protection of snow leopards,
find out more here.
Thank you
Snow Leopard News>
-
Special virtual session for SBSTTA-24 and SBI-03 on biodiversity, One Health and COVID-19
December 17, 2020
-
Little Ndaba DSWF Adoption toys
December 8, 2020
-
World Snow Leopard Day: Protecting a species on the brink of extinction
October 22, 2020
-
Living with snow leopards: the role of local communities in conservation.
July 8, 2020