Why the fate of snow leopards lies in the hands of local communities in Asia

In the rocky mountains of central Asia, snow leopards no longer roam safely. It’s estimated as few as 3 920 and not more than 6 390 remain worldwide. They are at risk from direct killings by people, industrial developments, and climate change. Justine Alexander, a snow leopard ecologist at Snow Leopard Trust, is leading the fight to help these cats. "What we do know is that the snow leopard’s world is changing fast and the threats are real," she says. For almost a decade, Alexander has dedicated her life and studies to researching ways to protect these mammals. 

"My work with the Snow Leopard Trust involves bringing regional support for both research and conservation of this elusive cat," Alexander says. The predators play a key ecological role. Being sensitive to environmental changes, they are indicators of a thriving or declining ecosystem. "If global temperatures continue to increase, we predict that the snow leopard’s suitable habitat will be forced higher in elevation," Alexander says. 

Snow leopards are among the most vulnerable species in the world. To locate and protect them, Alexander and her team set up a network of ecologists in countries such as Mongolia, Pakistan, China and Nepal. To prevent farmers in India from killing snow leopards who hunt their livestock, they established grazing-free habitats for the regeneration of their prey. In Kyrgyzstan, rangers are trained in anti-poaching and wildlife monitoring. With the trust, Alexander also lobbies for policy formation and public awareness at an international level.

"Involving local communities in snow leopard conservation has enabled us to safeguard the species over vast multi-use landscapes," Alexander says. Through a blending of scientific knowledge and activism, she is prevailing in the conservation of snow leopards.

You can contribute to the work of the Snow Leopard Trust here.

Footage by Snow Leopard Trust, Philippe Matteini, Abdullah Khan, SLF-Kyrgyzstan/SAEPF, Shan Shui/Panthera, SLCF-Mongolia, and Fidget Films was used in the creation of this film.