Historical Data on Population Size
Very little is known about the specific historical population distribution of the snow leopard species. However, it is globally known the snow leopard populations have been decreasing significantly over the past couple of years. It was reported by the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy, that snow leopard populations have decreased by about 20% over the last two generations due to major habitat loss, prey reduction, poaching and human conflict. Estimated numbers declined from around 5000-7000 snow leopards to about 4000-6000 left in the wild today (Jackson et al., 2008). Little information is also known about the historical distribution of the species and there still remains a lack of sufficient information about the species today. However, recent estimates show that the historic population of snow leopards was found in a range of 2.5 million km^2. In present day, snow leopard distribution has significantly decreased to around 1.83 million km^2 of which about 0.55 million km^2 is considered to have good living conditions for the feline population (Large Herbivore Network, n.d.).. It is difficult to accurately predict the population of the snow leopard both in the past, present and future as the shy nature of the wild cat and the high altitudes of their habitat restrict accurate studies. Nonetheless, the population of snow leopards is continuing to decrease and is reaching minimal numbers as time goes on, as observed in the graph found below.
Limiting factors that have contributed to the species 'at risk' status is mainly human influence. Human activities such as poaching, habitat fragmentation, livestock grazing and hunting all pose threats to the future population of the snow leopard.
Limiting factors that have contributed to the species 'at risk' status is mainly human influence. Human activities such as poaching, habitat fragmentation, livestock grazing and hunting all pose threats to the future population of the snow leopard.