What factors have contributed to the endangerment of the snow leopard species?
Fear of myths, much like we have with wolves, and protection of livestock. There is fear that snow leopards will harm humans, and over reaction when cats are sighted that the local people will need to kill the cat to protect their livelihood, which is their livestock. Herders often take their stock up in the mountains early morning and late afternoon when the cats are likely to be more present and getting active; there is more of a chance for human animal conflict to occur at these times. One other factor is poaching. Their coats are valuable because of their unique patterns and their warmth. [The] SLT is working very hard with local people to change the fears and behaviors, and to show how to live with snow leopards as well as ways to make a better living with the resources they have. Another large factor is loss of prey to feed off of; this is a result of overuse of herd animals in regions. Habitat fragmentation is another factor causing their decline. Tell me a little bit more about
