2 months ago, animal lovers celebrated the news that the snow leopard would no longer be called ‘endangered’. Scientists conducted a 3 year long study into the populations of the big cats and decided to reclassify them as 'vulnerable'.That impression has further been confirmed by the sighting of an adult snow leopard in a remote forest inArunachal Pradesh, a province of India - the first time one of the animals has been seen in this area.
Source: WWF
Helped by WWF, cameras were set up in Thembang, a CCA (Community Conserved Area) to observe the wildlife living there. In the middle of October, the big cat was finally seen, after months of monitoring.Nilanga Jayasinghe, senior program officer with WWF’s wildlife conservation team, said in an article on WWF's website:
That this snow leopard was documented in a community area is significant. In a state where a majority of snow leopard habitat is located outside protected areas, this image is evidence that engaged and sustainable community management and investment in these important areas can have benefits for both people and wildlife.
Source: Gerard Lacz/Robert Harding
CCA's are places supported by WWF-India that let locals be active decision makers in conservation, wildlife protection and even tourism in their areas. According to WWF, these locals are crucial in protecting species such as the Snow Leopard.At the moment, snow leopards face many threats, despite conservation efforts to protect them. They suffer the effects of climate change, which change the environment they live in as well as causing the number of prey they hunt to decline, and the progressive erosion of their territory by humans who use it for livestock.
Source: Belga
Humans are another threat, hunting them for their fur and bones, which are used in ‘traditional’ medicine to replace tiger bones.Poaching still has devastating effects, particularly as leopard fur can bring in up to $10000 (£7500) on the black market.You can help support snow leopard conservation efforts by donating to charities such asWWF, where you can even adopt one!
H/t: WWF
* * *
At Holidog, we aim to improve the lives of your furry friends. Enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, knowing your pet is in great hands (find a petsitter near you) and spoil them with our monthly subscription box filled with yummy treats and toys (get your free box here). You can count on us!
.png)
