Sadly, these magnificent animals have been steadily disappearing from the mountains for many decades. A booming black market trade in their fur and bones (for traditional Asian medicines) and rural poverty have combined to decrease the odds that these cats will still roam wild in the next century.

The Snow Leopard Trust has been working since 1981 to prevent the loss of the wild snow leopard. Founded on the belief that the participation of local people is essential to long-term success, the Trust has partnered with communities throughout Asia. The result has been sustainable, local conservation programs that meet both the needs of the community and effectively protect snow leopards, their key prey species, and their habitat.