Field Work Archives

Peek into the Life of a Snow Leopard Mom & Cubs

by Snow Leopard Trust July 17, 2024July 18, 2024 2 Comments

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!

Exciting Field Updates! Three New Cats in Tracking Study

by Snow Leopard Trust June 19, 2024June 24, 2024 8 Comments

For the next 18-20 months, three of the most elusive big cats on earth will provide valuable information about their daily lives to our scientists as part of our long-term efforts to track and better understand this endangered species.

Where Spotted Kingdoms Converge

by Snow Leopard Trust June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 4 Comments

Snow Leopard Trust’s India Program based at the Nature Conservation Foundation, conducted a pilot camera trap survey across two valleys in the Great Himalayan National Park in the second half of last year. Cameras were set up along a gradient from 2500 to 4500 meters in an attempt to determine the elevation range where snow leopards and common leopards overlap and potentially compete for resources.

Level Up your Snow Leopard Conservation IQ for Endangered Species Day

by Snow Leopard Trust May 16, 2024May 28, 2024 2 Comments

The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day. It’s a day to celebrate, learn more about and get involved in the herculean efforts to protect threatened and endangered wildlife worldwide. Since we’ve had an influx of new supporters, we’d like to share more about our ever-evolving work to protect snow leopards for future generations.

Celebrating 15 Years of Groundbreaking Science

by Snow Leopard Trust April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 1 Comment

Thanks to your support of our Long-term Ecological Study, (the first of its kind for snow leopards!), we are building a more comprehensive understanding of snow leopard ecology and behavior. This vital research provides insight into the threats they face and guides conservation policies to ensure the snow leopard’s future. Today, we know more about what these endangered animals need to survive and thrive than ever before.

Where the wild things go

by Snow Leopard Trust March 13, 2024March 13, 2024 1 Comment

A new paper by Snow Leopard Trust scientists shows how dispersing young snow leopards can navigate and travel long distances in flat terrain in search of territories. It also reveals what triggers them to set out and how fences and linear infrastructure can disrupt their movements.

TWO NEW SNOW LEOPARDS ON AIR!

by Snow Leopard Trust October 12, 2023 6 Comments

“We collared a new snow leopard yesterday. I’ve said those words many times, and it never gets old. We had just finished dinner and were enjoying the warmth of the fire when the alarm went off. We rushed to our trapping site and found ourselves in the presence of a big male cat. He explained in a very clear way what he thought of us, growling all the while until he fell asleep from the drugs.” – Senior Scientist Dr. Örjan Johansson.

A Rare Window into the World of Snow Leopard Resting Behavior

by Snow Leopard Trust October 11, 2023October 12, 2023 2 Comments

“Learning about snow leopard behavior, including their hunting habitat and frequency, is invaluable. It allows us to have informed conversations with local people when trying to address conflict situations.” ~ Purevjav Lkhagvajav, Director, Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation, Mongolia.

How Camera Traps in a Virtual World Can Help Protect Snow Leopards in the Real World

by Snow Leopard Trust September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 2 Comments

In October 2022, Snow Leopard Trust volunteer and dedicated supporter Linfang Yang had a striking idea about the possibility of using Virtual Reality (VR) as a camera trap training tool. Not only did she dream up an incredibly innovative concept, but she was persistent in bringing her immersive brainchild to life.

Snow leopards and falcons and hamsters, oh my!

by Snow Leopard Trust July 12, 2023 3 Comments

A rare falcon sighting in Mongolia’s Tost Tosonbumba Nature Reserve illustrates how protecting snow leopard habitat safeguards other wildlife as well. Once leased out for mining exploration and protected only after six years of effort by our team and the region’s local communities, this protected area is an important haven for many species beyond snow leopards.