While you go about your daily life, something remarkable is unfolding in the rugged peaks of Mongolia: motion-triggered research cameras are capturing extraordinary moments in the lives of Earth’s most elusive big cat. These secret “selfies” of wild snow leopards aren’t just incredible images – they’re vital pieces of a complex conservation puzzle.
Our researchers have documented a previously unseen behavior: a snow leopard digging for water in Mongolia’s Tost Mountains. This observation sheds light on how these endangered cats may adapt to drought and arid environments.
Community-based and led conservation practices have been part of Snow Leopard Trust’s modus operandi for decades. However, the performance of such programs is rarely measured, making it difficult to assess their impact. A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of our large-scale, community-based conservation initiatives in five countries.
Snow Leopard Trust Senior Scientist Dr. Örjan Johannson has a bit of a reputation. Yes, he and our Mongolian team of conservationists have safely collared more snow leopards than all other studies put together, but what he’s really known for are his insightful and often dry email updates from the field. We’ve compiled a sampling below from the latest collaring effort in Mongolia. Enjoy!
Our team in Pakistan, based at the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF), is safeguarding snow leopards and fragile high mountain ecosystems by implementing various climate adaptation interventions focused on sustainable resource management, ecological restoration and community-led conservation. These initiatives help local communities build resilience in the face of a changing climate and mitigate further damage to their shared ecosystem.
Snow Leopard Trust’s partner organization in India, Nature Conservation Foundation, recently completed a population assessment of snow leopards in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP). This is the first assessment of its kind in this area.
Horses are integral to the livelihood and culture of herding communities who coexist with snow leopards. Last year, one of our dedicated community partners in Mongolia, Enkhburen (Buren) Nyam, experienced the loss of a foal to a snow leopard attack. Both wolves and snow leopards pose a threat to young horses.
An initial look at our camera trap data indicates that at least six snow leopard cubs were born in Tost Nature Reserve during 2023!
We all love photos of playful snow leopard cubs traipsing behind mom, jumping on her and wrestling their siblings. However, these endearing scenes only emerge after months of development. Born blind and helpless, the cubs remain hidden in their den for the first few months, gradually gaining strength before venturing into the outside world. Mom must provide all their nourishment and protection during this time – no simple feat, especially when she still has to hunt for her own food. These first few months are busy for a new snow leopard mom!
A friendly flower photography competition during a recent Snow Leopard Trust eco-camp was an opportunity for students to learn more about Kyrgyzstan’s mountain ecosystem. If you’re looking for environmental education opportunities, many activities can be replicated in your backyard!
