Mongolia rallies to save endangered snow leopards
In anticipation of International Snow Leopard Day on October 23, Mongolia organised a range of activities on Saturday, October 20, to highlight the importance of protecting the endangered snow leopard.
The events, coordinated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Mongolia, took place in the capital city of Ulan Bator.
The day's activities featured a variety of engaging elements aimed at raising awareness. A photography exhibition showcased images of the snow leopards, while a quiz tested participants' knowledge about the species. There was also a competition where participants imitated snow leopards, and public sessions provided information on the vital role these animals play in maintaining ecological balance and the legal penalties for poaching.
WWF-Mongolia noted that the East African nation is home to the world's second-largest population of snow leopards, with around 1,000 adult leopards residing in the country. These animals inhabit a vast area of approximately 328,900 square kilometres, spanning the Altai, Sayan, and Khangai mountain ranges.
However, the snow leopard population in Mongolia faces significant threats, including poaching for their bones and conflicts with local herders. Retaliatory killings often occur when snow leopards attack livestock, exacerbating the species' decline, Xinhua reports.
