As with numerous animals in the world today, the big cat species are facing the possibility of extinction. Some face a greater threat than others, such as the Amur Leopard, Spanish Lynx, and, of course, the Snow Leopard. In fact, if the numbers of these cats do not stop decreasing, it is certain that these felines will disappear from their habitats altogether. With that said, it is clear that they are in need of aid to help restore their numbers. Nature can no longer prevent their downfall, and it is up to us, through the use of various conservation efforts, to stop the decline of these cats.
Currently there are several programs being implemented throughout the world in the hopes of helping the snow leopard survive. Most of these focus on education and are derived from the efforts of dedicated people that are willing to make sacrifices in order to save a species. This section will provide an overview of each known project, and links will be provided where more information can be gathered.
The Irbis Enterprises Project
This program allows Mongolian nomadic tribes to benefit financially and to further their economic development, while aiding the cause of the snow leopard. In a brief summary, Irbis Enterprises supports the training and equipment given to the herders in order for them to make handcrafted, woolen items to be sold internationally. In return, they sign a contract binding them not to harm either the snow leopard or it's prey. It is enforced through Irbis Enterprises, as well as by the employees of the National Park. Read more about it here.
The Corral Improvement Project
This project is centered around cutting the losses to livestock through the building of containment areas for the prey animals. The herders are provided with the materials to build the "fencing," while the people provided labor and materials from around the area. There is more information available here.
The Peace Corps Mongolia Project
This program is centered around education and conservation with the Mongolian peoples. In summary, the nomadic herders of all ages participated and have been discouraged from believing the misnomers common among snow leopard lore. Alongside this, surveys were taken of the snow leopard and their prey and data was compiled for a country-wide database. Read more about it here.
The Snow Leopard Survival Strategy
The SSLS is dedicated to several different sub-goals and centers around 1.) an internet database to compile information 2.) a survey and strategy to show research priorities and more 3.) an online bulletin board to discuss the strategy report and 4.) a workshop to finalize everything. The focus of doing this is to coordinate research and to have supporters working together towards the same goals, enhancing conservation. There is more information here.
The Snow Leopard Information Management Systems
The goal of this project is to compile snow leopard information into one location, to store and to be accessable to researchers for study. Please click on the image below for more information.
The International Snow Leopard Symposiums
This project is dedicated to creating and defining conservation plans for the snow leopard. Please click on the image below for more information.
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