13 incredible pictures to mark International Snow Leopard Day

With shrinking habitats and poaching on the rise, the threat to the species continues to grow


Multimedia Desk October 24, 2016
PHOTO: WWF

Cat lovers across the world celebrated International Snow Leopard Day on October 23. The conservation community at large is committed more than ever to save the endangered cat. With shrinking habitats and poaching on the rise, the threat to the species continues to grow.

Over the years, snow leopards have evolved to live in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Their white-gray coat spotted with large black rosettes blends in perfectly with the steep and rocky mountains of Central Asia.

7 magnificent pictures of endangered snow leopards in Pakistan

The snow leopard’s powerful build allows it to scale great steep slopes with ease while its hind legs give it the ability to leap six times the length of its body. A long tail provides balance and agility and also wraps around the resting snow leopard as protection from the cold.

Increasing conflict between people and snow leopards is one of the major factors behind the alarming decline in snow leopards across Asia’s High Mountains – with around 20 per cent of the global population disappearing in the past 20 years. And with human settlements and herds encroaching even further into snow leopard habitat, conflict is becoming the major threat to many of the world’s remaining snow leopards, which could number as few as 4,000.

We look at 13 incredible pictures to celebrate International Snow Leopard Day.

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF-UK

PHOTO: WWF-MONGOLIA

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF-UK

PHOTO: WWF

PHOTO: WWF-UK

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