Snow leopards live and travel through vast distances in the rugged mountains of Central Asia. They inhabit harsh conditions at altitudes of around 9800-17000 feet and are found in 12 major countries: China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia (Conservation Institute, n.d.). The population distribution of snow leopards in each of these countries is shown in the graph found below. As shown in the table below, China is known to 50% of the entire population and contains 60% of the snow leopard's habitat range, evident in both the map to the right and the graph below (Snow Leopard Trust n.d). The snow leopard population is strongly restricted to the towering mountains of Central Asia such as Altai, Tian Shan, Kun Lun, Hindu Kush, and the Himalayan ranges as they have adapted to high altitudes and rely on the rocky landscape to aid in camouflage and spotting prey. This contributes to their fragmented or clumped distribution pattern as they have limited areas of appropriate habitat along with varying numbers of prey for survival. Little is known about the exact historic distribution of the species but an estimated 0.55 million km2 of their entire 2 million km2 habitat range is considered to be "good habitat" resulting in the majority of the population gathering or "clumping" around the optimal for survival resources (Large Herbivore Network, n.d.). However, their solitary nature results in them travelling far distances alone with limited interaction with other members of their population. Snow leopards also leave distinctive markings on landscape in order to mark boundaries between home ranges. These solitary and independent traits of the snow leopard differ from the usual characteristics of clumped distribution species as there is limited positive interactions in this wild cat population. Due to the elusive, secretive and shy nature of the snow leopard, it is difficult for researchers to determine the exact population of the wild cats left today. However, it is estimated that 3500-7000 snow leopards remain in the wild and 600-700 are found in various zoos around the world (Large Herbivore Network, n.d.). As mentioned before, the clumped distribution of the population makes it difficult to measure population density. However, a marked recapture study performed in Hemis National Park in Ladakh, India showed that about 8.49 individuals per 100km2 in 2003 and 4.45 individuals per 100km2 in 2004. The significant decrease in population density between 2003-2004 examined by the researchers was not predicted to be a result of rapid population decrease but rather due to different trap density and placement. Therefore, an average of 6,47 individuals are found per 100km2 (Jackson, Roe, Wangchuk, & Hunter, 2012). Exact numbers are also not provided as a large portion of the population lives in extremely harsh environments, dangerous for humans to access.
Graph Showing Snow Leopard Population Distribution (ICUN Red List of Threatened Species, n.d.).
Age Structure and Genetic Diversity
Based on research and studies performed on a tooth of a snow leopard found in the wild that had died of natural causes, it is predicted that the average life span of the population is between 10-13 years. However, snow leopards kept in captivity can live for as long as 21 years (Snow Leopard Trust, n.d). A female snow leopard will typically be pregnant for 93-110 days and will give birth to many cubs at a time (Snow Leopard Trust, n.d). Little cubs experience premature death and continue to develop naturally, contributing to the Type 1 Survivorship pattern of this population. An average life cycle of the snow leopard is depicted in the image found below.
Life Cycle of a Snow Leopard
(Snow Leopard Trust, n.d)
Genetic diversity of a population refers to the variety found among species as well as the diversity found among individuals of a population (Biology Online, n.d.). Increased genetic diversity broadens the chances of long term survival, but reduced genetic diversity makes populations more uniform in character and susceptible to quicker death because of decreased ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions. In 2009, Snow Leopard Trust funded the research needed to determine the code of the DNA of snow leopards in order to learn more about their genetic diversity. Since this research project is fairly recent, Dr. Waits from the University of Idaho who conducted the study is still analyzing the genetic profile of these individuals from hair and feces collected in the wild.
Environment Carrying Capacity
Environmental carrying capacity is, " the number of individuals who can be supported in a given area within natural resource limits, and without degrading the natural social, cultural and economic environment for present and future generations." (Srinivas, n.d.). Due to the extreme conditions of the habitats that snow leopards live in, their environmental carrying capacity is significantly reduced. Snow leopards are under serious threat of extinction and approaching a minimum viable population size rapidly having decreased by 20% over the past 16 years (Panthera, 2015).