When our team recently visited five wild snow leopard cubs in their dens in Mongolia, the news made waves around the world. But this rare event isn’t just headline worthy—it’s scientifically important for the survival of the species. Since 2008, we’ve only visited snow leopard dens five other times. Each discovery provides vital data about reproduction in these elusive cats. Read on to find out why these moments matter so much for snow leopard conservation.
Our recent discovery of 5 healthy cubs in two separate den sites in Mongolia’s Tost Mountains is another breakthrough moment for snow leopard science. Effective conservation depends on understanding the factors that drive population stability and growth. We use GPS collars and camera traps to monitor individual cats over many years, but these methods can’t capture the earliest stages of cub life. That’s why, when a rare occasion presents itself, our team conducts den visits using extreme care to minimize disturbance.
Decades after Snow Leopard Trust Founder Helen Freeman’s work at Woodland Park Zoo inspired her commitment to protecting this iconic species, we carry her legacy forward by ensuring a future for snow leopards in the wild, while also collaborating with zoos around the world.
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!
When we first saw Presnel on our research cameras in 2014, she was a fluffy cub trailing her mother in the wilds of Mongolia. Unexpectedly, she turned her little head to peer into the camera lens and in that moment, walked right into our hearts. Presnel is just one of many wild snow leopards you are helping us protect.
It’s that time of year again in the high mountains of Central Asia. No, not Valentine’s Day but something similar in the big cat world. It’s snow leopard mating season. And a bit more than three months later comes snow leopard cub season. How does the mythical ghost of the mountain compare to other big cats when it comes to love and family? We asked Senior Scientist Dr. Örjan Johansson and Assistant Director of Science Dr. Gustaf Samelius to share some of their insights into snow leopard mating habits and reproduction.
The cutest quiz you’ll ever take – how much do you know about snow leopard cubs?
It’s no secret that the BBC Studios Natural History Unit produces extraordinary wildlife programming. Their latest endeavor, Planet Earth III, is no exception. And, as always, the behind-the-scenes stories about the challenges the film crews faced are as gripping as the series itself.
In snow leopard habitat, one of the most adorable signs of the summer season is just over the horizon – snow leopard cubs.
