Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a medium-sized felid living in the mountains of High Asia. With the extreme temperatures, high altitudes and rocky terrain, it’s hard to pinpoint which aspects of the habitat the species is primarily adapted to. With current environmental change, the snow leopard is facing threats for its survival. To enable effective conservation programs, we need to know what aspects of the mountain terrain is essential for its habitat. This has not been explicitly examined before and, thus, was investigated in this literature study. The results showed that the snow leopard’s ancestors lived in an environment and ecosystem similar to today. With that, the species has developed both behavioral and physical adaptations to survive in this challenging environment. However, by considering studies on its anatomy, physiology, behavior and hunting preferences it is clear that it is the steep rocky terrain that is the most critical aspect of the snow leopard’s habitat needs. Using this information, we can easier find solutions that are sustainable both for the snow leopards and humans living in the area. Given their requirement for hunting in steep rocky terrain, conservation programs can prioritize addressing current issues related to maintaining these habitats and the prey species that inhabit them, while being mindful of the needs of traditional pastoralists who also use the mountain terrain.