What do Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have in common? They are the only countries on Earth where nature’s most enigmatic predator prowls. They are guardians of the wild snow leopard.
On October 23, 2013, the governments of these 12 snow leopard range countries came together for the first Global Forum on the Conservation of the Snow Leopard in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. On that day, they endorsed the landmark Bishkek Declaration to ensure that snow leopards and the people who live among them thrive in healthy ecosystems. In this unprecedented declaration, they agreed to the first Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Plan and committed to protecting vast landscapes to secure the snow leopard’s habitat. These same 12 nations designated Oct. 23 to be International Snow Leopard Day to raise awareness and promote the conservation of these endangered big cats.
With only 4,000 to 6,400 snow leopards believed to be remaining in the wild, Snow Leopard Trust is working to protect this threatened species and its habitat by partnering with the local and Indigenous communities who live alongside them. Our approach promotes ethical conservation practices to jointly develop programs that create sustainable livelihoods, support conflict management and foster coexistence with this endangered predator.
YOU are their lifeline. Our conservation initiatives to ensure a future for snow leopards are only possible because of you! We rely on your support to make the world a safer place for these endangered cats.
In honor of International Snow Leopard Day, please consider a symbolic adoption of one of our iconic cats for yourself or a loved one. Every adoption helps fund our conservation work to protect this endangered species.
Adopt a Cat Today! And feel good knowing you’re helping to save the elusive snow leopard.
Photo credits: SLCF-Mongolia