Kazakhstan and Pakistan see rise in snow leopard numbers
According to the latest observations, the population of snow leopards in Kazakhstan and Pakistan is on the rise, reports National Geographic. However, snow leopards remain under threat from poaching, economic development, and climate change.
Snow leopards, also known as irbises, are among the rarest big cats in the world. Their wild population is estimated to be no more than 10,000 individuals. Encouraging news comes from Kazakhstan and Pakistan, where observations suggest an increase in the number of these predators.
Since 2018, Kazakhstan has been running a snow leopard protection project in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, the irbis population grew by over 26% in 2019. Currently, the number of these cats in the country is estimated to be between 152 and 189, the highest since the 1980s.
In Pakistan, in the Central Karakoram National Park, local naturalist Sakhawat Ali observed a group of four irbises. This is a significant event as even the oldest residents cannot recall seeing so many cats at one time. This observation confirms that northern Pakistan is an ideal habitat for snow leopards.
Despite positive trends, snow leopards are still threatened by poaching, economic development and climate change. Kazakhstan plans to set up new protected areas, and farmers receive compensation for livestock losses caused by irbises.
To better understand the irises' lifestyle, 11 cats in Kazakhstan have been fitted with satellite collars. This enables scientists to track their movements and better understand their needs, which is a crucial step in protecting this endangered species.
Lifestyle and diet
The snow leopard is a solitary animal, spending most of its life alone and living a secretive, mysterious existence. It typically roams over large territories, which can be up to 1,000 square kilometres, depending on the availability of food.
Males have larger territories than females, and the boundaries of their domains are marked with distinctive scent marks.
The snow leopard's diet is varied, including both herbivorous animals and smaller predators. Its menu may consist of species such as markhors (a type of mountain goat), deer, wild boar, as well as small mammals and birds.
The leopard predominantly hunts at night or dawn, utilising its excellent ability for silent attacks. When pursuing larger prey, such as markhors, the leopard may hunt from a hidden position, using the element of surprise to launch a close-up attack on the animal.
