A few weeks ago, I met up with volunteers from the Snow Leopard Trust. They are working hard to help save these majestic cats, which now number 3,500, or even less, in the wild.
(Credit for images: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA; Snow Leopard Trust)
Snow leopards are symbols of ecosystem health. Their present population therefore sends a worrisome message about the overall health and stability of species in the mountain highlands of Central Asia.
Through the Snow Leopard Trust, nomadic communities who share the cats’ region can sell their traditional crafts and earn income for food, medicine and education. This exchange relieves the economic pressures that can drive herders to hunt snow leopards, helping to protect the leopards and their prey, which includes sheep, wild goats and birds.
It’s a very clever win-win, in my opinion, since the quality of life in these impoverished human communities has been steadily improving as a result, while the snow leopards are being given a greater chance for survival.
During this busy work week, I’m dreaming of snow leopards and their beautiful habitat, and invite you to do the same.
