International Snow Leopard Day ― Date, History, and Details

International Snow Leopard Day

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History of International Snow Leopard Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It

In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly designated 23 February as International Snow Leopard Day, to raise awareness of the need for conservation of the endangered snow leopard. The snow leopard is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, because as of 2003, the global population was estimated at between 4,080 and 6,590 individuals. Snow leopards inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft), in areas with rocky terrain and little vegetation.

The primary threat to snow leopards is loss of prey species due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction. In addition, they are sometimes killed by local people who view them as a pest, or mistakenly believe that they pose a threat to livestock. Snow leopards are also hunted for their beautiful fur. In some areas, demand for snow leopard body parts for use in traditional Chinese medicine is another significant threat.

Conservation efforts for the snow leopard include protecting their habitat and prey, and working with local communities to reduce conflict. In 2013, the Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) was launched, with the goal of protecting snow leopards and their ecosystems in 12 countries across Central and South Asia.