Snow leopard numbers rise in Kazakhstan and Pakistan
The population of snow leopards in Kazakhstan and Pakistan is growing, as confirmed by the latest observations, reports "National Geographic." Snow leopards are still threatened by poaching, economic development, and climate change.
Snow leopards, also known as irbises, are among the rarest big cats in the world. Their population in the wild is estimated to be a maximum of 10,000 individuals. Positive news comes from Kazakhstan and Pakistan, where observations indicate an increase in the population of these predators.
In Kazakhstan, since 2018, a snow leopard protection project has been implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, the irbis population increased by over 26 percent in 2019. Currently, the number of these cats in the country ranges from 152 to 189 individuals, marking the highest count since the 1980s.
In Pakistan, in the Central Karakoram National Park, local naturalist Sakhawat Ali observed a group of four irbises. This is a remarkable event because even the oldest residents do not remember seeing such a number of these cats at once. This observation confirms that northern Pakistan is an ideal habitat for snow leopards.
Despite positive trends, snow leopards still face threats from poaching, economic development, and climate change. Kazakhstan plans to establish new protected areas, and farmers are compensated for livestock losses caused by irbises.
To better understand the lifestyle of irbises, 11 cats in Kazakhstan were equipped with satellite collars. This allows scientists to track their movements and better understand their needs, 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 and mysterious existence. It typically moves across large territories, which can be up to 386 square miles depending on the availability of food.
Males have larger territories than females, and the boundaries of their domains are marked with characteristic scent marks.
The snow leopard's diet is diverse, including both herbivorous animals and smaller predators. Its menu may consist of species such as markhors (a type of mountain goat), deer, wild boars, as well as small mammals and birds.
The leopard hunts mainly at night or dawn, using its excellent ability for silent attacks. In the case of larger prey, such as markhors, the leopard may hunt from a hidden position, using the element of surprise to attack the animal up close.
