Ghost Animal of the Himalayas

March 10, 2008

This week, representatives from 12 Asian nations are convening in hopes of framing a conservation plan to save snow leopards, which have been described as "the world's most elusive big cat." Locals refer to it as the "ghost of the Himalayas."

The meeting represents an unprecedented effort to save the endangered leopard, with individuals from all corners of its range in attendance. These include China, Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Due to the cat's solitary nature, remote habitat and secretive life, exact population counts are next to impossible. Current estimates put snow leopard numbers at between 3,500-7,000.

According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Snow Leopard Trust and the Snow Leopard Network, the greatest threats to the wild cats today are poaching for their pelts and body parts, loss of habitat, increased conflict with humans and livestock, and dwindling populations of the wild sheep and wild goats that are their main prey.

Here is a rare image of the elusive snow leopard. It was taken by Kyle McCarthy, and comes to us courtesy of the Snow Leopard Trust.