Mongolia counts 953 snow leopards

WWF has counted the rare snow leopards in Mongolia.

The recently published census not only represents the first nationwide population survey, but also sets new standards in scientific wildlife monitoring. Between 2018 and 2020, thousands of photos from camera traps and field observations were evaluated and combined with computer-assisted modelling. Based on this data, WWF estimates the total population at 953 adult animals, classifying it as stable.

“The snow leopards have held their ground in Mongolia. This is a great success for species conservation. However, we must not rest on our laurels, as the big cats are still endangered. The newly gained knowledge about their distribution will help us in future to plan conservation measures even more effectively and in a more targeted manner. At the same time, this census is the most methodologically advanced in the world.”

Markus Radday, Regional Officer for WWF Germany

The snow leopard census began in May 2018 and ended in October 2020. Together with partners, WWF surveyed and mapped all potential habitats in Mongolia and deployed 1,475 camera traps. Field observations were carried out in 1,017 selected sample areas in the high mountains to verify the presence of snow leopards. These include territorial markings, calls, and paw prints. The snow leopards’ prey animals, the Argali wild sheep and the Siberian ibex, were also recorded. In total, the camera traps captured 242 different individual snow leopards. Based on this data, the population was calculated for the entire distribution range.

For the first time, data from camera traps in Mongolia — more than 500,000 photos and videos – combined with tracks collected in the areas and prey animal counts with geographic computer modeling combined. This resulted in millions of data sets that had to be evaluated using statistical methods. 500 rangers, other conservation NGOs, scientists, and students from the National University of Mongolia assisted in the process.

According to this, there are currently 953 snow leopards living in Mongolia. This corresponds to the value with the highest statistical probability within the 806 to 1,127 individuals found there. "Until now, we assumed the number was between 500 and 1,000 individuals. The new figure is at the upper end of this estimate. That gives reason for optimism", says Radday. Furthermore, the survey provided evidence that the total range area of 328,844 km² is approximately three times larger than previously assumed. It encompasses, among other things, the entire Altai and Sayan mountain ranges in Mongolia, and the greater part of the Khangai mountain range.

With an estimated 4,000 to 6,400 individuals living in the high mountains of Asia, the snow leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world. In particular, poaching of the animals themselves as well as their prey puts pressure on them. In search of food, snow leopards therefore also kill livestock that herders drive into the mountains. This is increasingly leading to conflicts between animals and humans, which not infrequently end fatally for the big cats. The WWF therefore helps livestock owners protect their animals, for example through fencing. "In the long term, however, we need to create greater acceptance for snow leopards and reach agreements with herders", explains Radday. The newly gathered data will contribute to this: "We can now better identify exactly where the big cats occur and where potential hotspots for such conflicts are located." This benefits not only the protection of the snow leopard, but also its environment. For the big cat is an indicator of intact mountain ecosystems. "If the snow leopard is thriving, the same applies to its habitat.”

Background:

The snow leopard population survey was conducted as part of the Population Assessment of the World's Snow Leopards (PAWS) initiative. At the second Global Snow Leopard Conference in 2017, the twelve countries in which the endangered species occurs committed to completing a population assessment by 2023. After Bhutan, Mongolia is the second country to have now completed its survey. It has the second largest snow leopard population in the world, after China.